Be Up 4 Green Sports
Mário, AustriaI was part of that group where we had the opportunity to shape the schedule and choose the activities that interested us most, helping us develop valuable organizational skills.
Thanks to the Erasmus programme, I had the chance to spend an unforgettable week in the breath-taking Austrian mountains. Held in mid-July, the project, Be Up 4 Green Sports, aimed to introduce the participants to sports they had never tried before. The moment I arrived at our camp on the shores of the charming Attersee lake, I knew this experience would become a highlight of my summer.
Some participants even attended a preparation camp in Vienna. I was part of that group where we had the opportunity to shape the schedule and choose the activities that interested us most, helping us develop valuable organizational skills.
For me the ultimate thrill of the week was the canyoning session. Picture yourself hiking into the mountains, following a narrow river downstream. As the terrain becomes steeper, you’re instructed to slide along the flowing water. Just as you start grasping the excitement, a waterfall appears—with no way around it. The only option? A leap straight into the water below. It was an adrenaline-fueled challenge, the kind you’d expect only professionals to attempt, yet here I was, safely guided through every step, pushing my limits.
Another memorable day involved exploring the lake by canoe. It was my first time engaging in an outdoor sport that primarily engaged my upper body, and I have to admit—I even came up with the idea of getting a canoe for myself.
Beyond the physical experiences, this camp raised my awareness of the environment. For many of us, it was our first time calculating our own carbon footprint to find out which areas of life we should focus on to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a better future. The activities taught me the value of embracing the unfamiliar, no matter how unpleasant it may seem. The most unforgettable moments seem to happen when we step outside our comfort zones. More importantly, I realized that true fulfilment comes from being present and sharing experiences with those around us, rather than seeking validation from distant audiences on social media.
Updated on Tuesday, 17/02/2026