AteneiKa
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Cagliari
Organization(s) Involved: Centro Sportivo Universatorio (CUS) Cagliari – University Sports Center
Name: Ateneika
Email: info@ateneika.com
Web: https://www.ateneika.com
SUMMARY
Born in 2012 from an idea of ten out of town students from different study courses at the University of Cagliari, today AteneiKa has become a unique event in Sardinia: 10 days of competitions, concerts and events – all with free entry – focused on the three promoting values: aggregation, sport and sharing.
OBJECTIVES
Designed within the university circuit, AteneiKa is an event open to all that promotes two universal languages, Sport and Music and a careful approach to training, leveraging a belief that is the driving force of the initiative: inside every person there is a student who never ages. Sport is the undisputed protagonist of AteneiKa’s daytime programming. thousands of athletes annually participating in +10 sports disciplines.
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
“AteneiKa Village” was born from the idea of the organizers of “AteneiKa, Sport, Music and You”. The organisers, a group of youngsters out of town students from different study courses at the University of Cagliari who adapted the event to give the city of Cagliari and the municipalities of the Metropolitan Area a new meeting space. For young people and not, “AteneiKa Village” is a way to meet up with friends, to volunteer, to follow sporting events and to listen to the music of local and national bands.
IMPLEMENTATION: ACTIVITIES AND METHODOLOGIES
Key activities carried out are:
Ten intense days of healthy and fun competition, culminating in the third half, the traditional post-match meeting between the players of the opposing teams.
- Athletics, badminton, basketball, five-a-side football, table football, tennis football, volleyball, chess, tennis, table tennis.
- Music concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions, and theatrical shows.
- Educational and skill-building sessions on topics such as sports science, health, wellness, and leadership.
- Volunteer programs, community service projects, and social events aimed at fostering community spirit and engagement.
Socalising and Entertainment ensured via the food and drink courts, games, stands, circus art shows, art and culture workshops and a tattoo stand. Partners and stalkeholders involved are many, we can mention: University of Cagliari (UniCa): Main organizer and promoter of the event. Provided financial support, facilities, and human resources.
CUS Cagliari (University Sports Center): Co-organizer responsible for sports events management. Provided sports facilities, equipment, and technical expertise.
Local Government and Municipal Authorities: Offered logistical support, security, promotion and necessary permits.
Corporate Sponsors: Provided financial backing and in-kind support.
Student Organizations and Clubs: Assisted in organizing and running events. Mobilized student volunteers, promoted participation among peers, and managed specific cultural and sports activities.
Community Organizations and NGOs: Engaged in community outreach and volunteer coordination
Media Partners: Provided coverage and promotion of the event through various media channels (television, radio, online platforms).
Volunteers: Crucial for the execution of the event. Assisted with logistics, crowd management, registration, and various other tasks. Included students, faculty, and local residents.
Performers and Artists: Contributed to the cultural events, including music, dance, and art performances.
PROJECT OUTCOMES & LESSONS LEARNED
Taglible results achieved:
In 10 years of activity, AteneiKa has recorded important numbers. The 2024 edition of Ateneika saw record-breaking numbers in terms of participants and attendees, indicating strong community engagement and interest. Last year alone 1600 male and female students on the field for sports games, over 30 artists and 150 volunteers (local and international).
The event fosters a sense of community and teamwork among young people and local residents.
Lessons Learned:
- Effective planning and coordination resulted in smooth operations and a successful event.
- High levels of participation from local youth and residents contributed to the festival’s success.
- The blend of cultural activities with sports events attracted a diverse audience, enhancing the festival’s appeal.
Areas for Improvement:
- Incorporating more sustainable practices could improve the festival’s environmental impact.
- Ensuring that all segments of the community, including those with disabilities, can participate and enjoy the event more fully.
IMPACT
Ateneika positively impacts the local community by promoting sports, culture, and social interaction. It brings together thousands of participants and spectators, boosting local businesses and tourism.
The festival also fosters community spirit and provides a platform for cultural exchange, enhancing the social fabric of the region.
Young people play a central role in Ateneika, participating as athletes, organizers, and volunteers. They contribute by competing in various sports events, managing logistics, and engaging in cultural activities. Their involvement not only develops their skills and confidence but also ensures the festival’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. To celebrate this concept and cultivate good neighborly relations, the organizers give the residents of the area where the CUS CARD which allows access to all university sports facilities for a year, even to those who are not registered at University (each CUS CARD has a value of 100 euros).