Български
IOFA project
IOFA events in Mladost district
01.10.2025
On October 1, 2025, “Mladost” Park once again became a field for sports and adventure, bringing together children, teachers, and partners for the second edition of the orienteering (Trail-O) initiative, part of the Inclusive Orienteering for All (IOFA) project, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme. The event was part of the calendar of the European Week of Sport – an initiative of the European Commission promoting physical activity among EU citizens.
In Bulgaria, the national coordinator is the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the initiative is implemented with funding from the EU’s Erasmus+ programme. The motto of this anniversary edition was: “Make your day green, live with sport, stay active all year round.”
In the morning, the little ones from Kindergarten No. 59 “Elhitsa” took their first steps into the world of orienteering, while in the afternoon, students from 81st Secondary School “Victor Hugo” delved deeper into exploring this accessible and inclusive sport. With maps in hand and following a specially prepared route with control points, more than 60 participants developed logical thinking, concentration, and teamwork – all through play, movement, and a genuine sense of adventure.
The main objectives of the activity included:
• Introducing the basics of orienteering and Trail-O in an accessible and inclusive environment;
• Developing logical thinking, spatial orientation, and independent decision-making;
• Encouraging confidence and building a sense of achievement through sport.
The IOFA project brings together organizations from Croatia, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Hungary, aiming to promote orienteering as an inclusive sport accessible to people with different abilities. In Bulgaria, the initiative is coordinated by Bulgarian sports development association, and the events were carried out in partnership with Sofia Municipality – Mladost District and the the Local Commission for Combating Antisocial Behaviors of Minors – Mladost District. In addition to organizing practical events, the project also envisions the development of educational materials for schools, sports clubs, and organizations working with people with disabilities, in order to promote active participation and equal opportunities in sport.
In the morning, the little ones from Kindergarten No. 59 “Elhitsa” took their first steps into the world of orienteering, while in the afternoon, students from 81st Secondary School “Victor Hugo” delved deeper into exploring this accessible and inclusive sport. With maps in hand and following a specially prepared route with control points, more than 60 participants developed logical thinking, concentration, and teamwork – all through play, movement, and a genuine sense of adventure.
The main objectives of the activity included:
• Introducing the basics of orienteering and Trail-O in an accessible and inclusive environment;
• Developing logical thinking, spatial orientation, and independent decision-making;
• Encouraging confidence and building a sense of achievement through sport.
The IOFA project brings together organizations from Croatia, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Hungary, aiming to promote orienteering as an inclusive sport accessible to people with different abilities. In Bulgaria, the initiative is coordinated by Bulgarian sports development association, and the events were carried out in partnership with Sofia Municipality – Mladost District and the the Local Commission for Combating Antisocial Behaviors of Minors – Mladost District. In addition to organizing practical events, the project also envisions the development of educational materials for schools, sports clubs, and organizations working with people with disabilities, in order to promote active participation and equal opportunities in sport.
