The Generations Uniting through Movement (GUM) Project concluded its remarkable journey with a vibrant, interactive workshop that brought its vision to life. This final dissemination event was a celebration of the project's achievements and a launchpad for continuing its mission: promoting meaningful connections through movement across generations. Generations #StickTogether workshop gathered over 120 participants — people passionate about co-creating intergenerational activities. It symbolised the culmination of the GUM Project’s inspiring journey and demonstrated how fun physical activities can strengthen relationship between generations as well as inspiring future initiatives.

The workshop was designed to spark collaboration, creativity, and establish shared understanding, reflecting on the essence of the GUM project: bridging generations through joyful physical activity (PA).

After a brief introduction and ice-breaking activities, the session moved into its most engaging task—designing an intergenerational PA program. Participants were randomly assigned into 10 smaller groups, that worked on a puzzle piece, personalising it with their reflections, and hopes. This engaging activity  encouraged collaboration  and served as a practical way to inspire teamwork and generate innovative solutions.

Each team received a jigsaw puzzle, a template we developed as a planning tool for the intergenerational activity program. Just as puzzle pieces must fit together to form a complete picture, every element in the program created by the participants needed to align harmoniously.  Participants were tasked with creating a detailed plan encompassing four key aspects:  the type of activity, facilitators, organisational support, and potential barriers that could hinder implementation. Hence, the puzzle served as a collaborative framework.

Once the puzzle was assembled, it symbolised the unity and diversity of ideas within each group. Participants then presented their plans and discovered how other teams interpreted the puzzle, creatively connecting its elements to form cohesive activity plans. This exchange reinforced teamwork and inspired participants, equipping them with tools to organise future co-design workshops with lasting impact.

The GUM Project’s finale marked not just an ending but the start of a larger movement. Demonstrating the power of PA to connect generations, left a legacy of collaboration and shared growth. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of participants, the project’s principles will inspire communities to embrace intergenerational activities, proving that generations can truly #sticktogether in the years to come.

Read more about the project: https://www.generationsmove.org

GUM Project is 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.