The CENTENARY GAMES project revives traditional sports and childhood games played by previous generations to preserve them as a valuable asset of European intangible cultural heritage. The initiative aims to encourage physical activity and a healthy lifestyle by utilizing the connection between Mind, Body, and Soul. As part of the project, three major international events are organized: Bulgaria hosts the games for the “Soul,” Türkiye hosts the “Body” challenges, and Italy presents the games for the “Mind.” These events bring together 1,100 participants and over 4,000 spectators, laying the groundwork for local communities to continue practicing these sports independently in the future.
Key activities include the detailed research of 36 traditional games and the collection of archival family photos through national initiatives in Bulgaria, Italy, and Türkiye. By fostering social cohesion and intergenerational continuity, the project builds a strong bond between children, parents, and grandparents through a comprehensive suite of resources designed to bridge generations through play. The publication of the book “European Games from Childhood” serves as a curated archival guide, preserving the ancestral memory and methodology of at least 36 traditional games supported by authentic family photographs. Complementing this, a series of educational videos provides a dynamic, hands-on tool for schools and sports clubs, demonstrating how these historic activities can be integrated into the modern daily lives of youth. Finally, the interactive digital map serves as a visual gateway to our shared heritage; it geographically benchmarks the origin of these local treasures across Bulgaria, Italy, and Türkiye, using storytelling to connect specific regional traditions to the broader European landscape. Through these initiatives, CENTENARY GAMES not only aim to improve physical health but also seek to preserve Europe’s shared history in a sustainable and inspiring way.
C-GAMES for the MIND:
Sassari, Sardinia
https://www.uisp.it/sassari/
This three-day event focuses on intellectual challenges and logical thinking through traditional games of the past. The program transforms the urban space into an arena for 12 captivating outdoor trials, featuring 6 authentic local games from Sardinia and 3 each from the Bulgarian and Turkish partners. Here, the emphasis is on intellectual competition and strategic thinking. Each participant receives a competition number to join an organized race of the mind, where speed of thought and logical problem-solving are put to the test.
The organization is guided by a moderator on a central stage, with participant flow managed through two dedicated registration zones at the entrance and exit. The program is further enhanced by intellectual quizzes and games focused on the knowledge of each partner country, with special prizes awarded to the top strategists. This format demonstrates that knowledge and strategic thinking are at the heart of every great game.
C-GAMES for the SOUL
Varna, Bulgaria
www.bionet.bg
This three-day event focuses on emotional connectivity and family values through the sharing of traditional games from the past. The program transforms the urban space into an arena for 12 exciting outdoor challenges, featuring 6 authentic Bulgarian games and 3 each from the Italian and Turkish partners. Here, the emphasis is on teamwork within the family, acting as a single, unified team. Each participant receives an individual competition number to experience the thrill of a real athlete while rediscovering the meaning of the word "SOUL" through the lens of shared roots and memories.
The organization is guided by a moderator on a central stage, with participant flow managed through two dedicated registration zones at the entrance and exit. The program is further enhanced by family quizzes and interactive games focused on the history of family traditions, with special prizes awarded to the most united teams. This format demonstrates that games and laughter remain the shortest path to the heart of every family.
C-GAMES for the BODY:
Kirklareli, Türkiye
www.kirklareliilozelidaresi.gov.tr
The three-day event focuses on physical activity through authentic games of the past, transforming traditional movement into a modern outdoor sports challenge. The program features 12 energetic challenges, consisting of 6 local games from Türkiye and 3 each from the Bulgarian and Italian partners, focusing on physical fitness and agility.
Each participant receives an individual competition number to provide a real athletic experience and allow for accurate tracking of attendance. The organization is led by a moderator on a central stage, with participant registration managed through two dedicated zones at the entrance and exit. The program is further enhanced by themed quizzes and games related to physical health, accompanied by various prizes for the participants.
UISP Comitato Territoriale Sassari APS (UISP Sassari), Italy is an association of social promotion and a sports promotion recognized by the Italian National Olympic Committee. Since 1972 UISP works with a subsidiary relationship with the institutions and promotes projects, campaigns, events, educational activities with and in the name of sport also in collaboration with many important local, national and international associations (Save the Children, Legambiente, WWF, Libera, ARCI, Amnesty International, etc.).
Association BIO NETWORK is a non-profit non-governmental organization established in 2014, which strives to foster healthy and active living for families and young people, while supporting public policies that champion consistent physical activity and a proactive approach to health across all sectors. The association focuses on organizing sports events, environmental protection in urban areas, and supporting public authorities in the development of strategies for sports, traditional games, and tourism.
Kırklareli Special Provincial Administration (KSPA) is a Turkish public entity with administrative and financial autonomy, governed by the provincial council, executive committee, and the governor. It provides essential local services in sectors such as youth and sports, health, culture, and tourism, ensuring these services are accessible and benefit the public. A primary focus of KSPA is the protection and restoration of cultural heritage in the Kırklareli region through international cooperation and the implementation of best practices for both tangible and natural assets.
Project: 101183603 – C-GAMES – ERASMUS-SPORT-2024
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
© 2026 All Rights Reserved
