The Beachblast Kick-Off Meeting was held online, serving as a pivotal moment to prepare for the upcoming workshop scheduled for January in Ireland. This initial meeting played a crucial role in planning and coordinating the BB project, setting a strong foundation for the activities ahead.

The event brought together managers and coaches from the project’s partner organizations, who contributed their expertise and insights, enriching the discussions with valuable perspectives.

Focus on Soft Skills and Expanding Expertise
A key topic of the meeting was the selection of soft skills. The team explored the possibility of expanding the pool of coaches to include professionals outside the project consortium, provided they have substantial expertise in Brainstorming Skills (BS).

This proposal was met with enthusiasm, as it represents an opportunity to enhance the project with diverse, cross-disciplinary expertise. Additionally, it offers the potential to broaden the project’s impact by engaging a wider network of professionals and reaching new audiences.

Key Dates and Upcoming Milestones
During the meeting, the timeline for the project’s main activities was confirmed, highlighting the following significant events:

• 17th to 19th January 2025: The in-person kick-off meeting and workshop in Ireland, bringing together international experts to develop a comprehensive Training Program for Beach Sprint. This innovative program will focus on young athletes, incorporating a multidisciplinary approach.
• 12th to 14th August 2025: A practical camp in Germany, where participants will have the opportunity to apply the skills learned and test the tools developed within the program.
• 15th to 17th August 2025: A follow-up racing event in Germany will serve as the project’s grand finale, showcasing participants’ newly acquired techniques and knowledge in a competitive setting.

Next Steps
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with clear priorities outlined for the coming months. The immediate focus will be on organizing the January workshop and preparing the pool of coaches to ensure an inclusive and well-structured soft skills selection process.

Stay tuned for more updates as Beachblast moves closer to its exciting milestones!