PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION COMPLETED

Summary

Background

NOVUSS is still an unknown sport in many EU countries, yet there is a steadily growing NOVUSS community through an increasing number of international tournaments. Our project provided a unique opportunity to introduce the NOVUSS sport to other sports organizations within the EU community, especially as an inclusive sport for participants with disabilities. NOVUSS, as an integrative sport within the EU community, will expand and strengthen the current programs of sports organizations.

Objectives

With regard to the EU’s objectives, the project addressed the area of promoting European traditional sports and games. The main objectives of this project:

Development and reinforcement of a network of stakeholders.
Promotion and development of NOVUSS as integrative kind of sport/game.
Development and implementation of ideas, methods and guidelines.
Development and implementation of education and training plan/sessions.
Dissemination and exploiting of the information and knowledge.

Implementation

Our project and all planned activities of our international network was initially heavily affected by the restrictions due to the global pandemic. To reach the goals and targets of our project we had to deal with new situation, had to search for new ways for implementation. We organised virtual meetings on monthly bases and 4 Transnational project meetings. During the pandemic we also organized online competitions and presentations with live streaming to promote NOVUSS and our project.

Results

We developed a network designed beyond the stakeholders of this project. Our project team standardized game rules, guidelines for organizing competitions, and directives for referees, gaining international recognition and application. We created the first international NOVUSS web platform, www.novuss-sport.org, where project results and activities of the international Novuss community were published. It serves the dissemination of our knowledge, making the results publicly accessible.

Objectives and priorities

Our project has successfully achieved the objective of developing and reinforcing a network of stakeholders. We have established partnerships with various organizations and individuals who have a vested interest in the project’s goals. This network will play a crucial role in promoting and developing NOVUSS as an integrative kind of sport/game. We also established partnerships with completely new organizations (extended partners of the project), such as the Novuss Federation of the United Kingdom and the Italian Novuss Federation, to support development of Novuss Sport in these countries.
We are proud to collaborate with partners such as TAFISA – the International Sport for All Association, as well as BLSV – the Bavarian State Sports Association and BBV the Bavarian Billiards Association.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our project faced several challenges in developing and reinforcing a network of stakeholders. The restrictions on physical gatherings and travel made it difficult to meet stakeholders in person. However, we adapted quickly by leveraging digital platforms and virtual communication tools.
To achieve our objective, we utilized innovative methods such as video conferences to connect and engage with stakeholders. In addition, our project has also focused on promoting Novuss and connecting people together, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. To adapt to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, we organized online challenges and competitions with live streaming using platforms such as Zoom, StreamYard, and YouTube. Additionally, one of the remarkable aspects of this initiative is the inclusivity it promotes. We have ensured that even players with disabilities, such as wheelchair users, can participate without any disadvantage.
See some Live-Stream recordings: https://www.novuss-sport.org/live-challenge/

The development of information materials, including the standardized rules (5 Languages) with Video in Englisch Version, tournament guidelines, referee guidelines, and the “ABC of Novuss” publication, marks a significant milestone in the growth and promotion of the sport. These resources aim to enhance understanding, accessibility, and enjoyment for players, coaches, and enthusiasts of Novuss worldwide. Furthermore, all materials have been published on our homepage, www.novuss-sport.org, ensuring easy access for individuals seeking information and resources. Our homepage is as a unique Novuss Sport platform where general information is available in 7 languages already. Additionally, the information will be maintained and updated on the homepage even after the completion of the project, making it an excellent platform for the dissemination of project results in long term perspective.

Description of the implemented activities

The methodology used follows a structured approach to achieve the objectives of the project. Here is a detailed explanation of each phase and the corresponding activities.

The first phase of the project was the planning phase started in October 2019. The team created a timeline that outlined the key milestones and deliverables for the project. This allowed for better planning and tracking of progress. In addition, the team carefully defined the exact participants and their respective roles within the project. By clearly assigning tasks and responsibilities, everyone involved was well-informed of their duties and expectations. Furthermore, a detailed budget was meticulously prepared, considering all project-related expenses. This included a thorough analysis of resources, materials, and any other financial requirements.

During the implementation phase was planned to conduct a Kick-off meeting, a Brainstorming workshop for idea generation, and four intercontinental conferences/project meetings (one per participating organization). However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions, it was necessary to adjust the project plan and shift to monthly virtual meetings.

In addition, our project has also focused on promoting Novuss and connecting people together, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. To adapt to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, we organized online challenges and competitions with live streaming using platforms such as Zoom, StreamYard, and YouTube, which was innovative activities never implemented before.

We looked for new ways for implementation of our goals and successfully included and presented NOVUSS game/sport and our Erasmus+ Project at 7th TAFISA World Sport for All Games festival. Lisboan hosted it as a virtual event due to pandemic as well. It is huge pleasure for us to be part of this worldwide community! With thousands of participants, 149 games & sports from 49 countries it was definitely a highlight of the year! See http://tafisa.org/news/LisbonGames2021Success

For this great event we implemented also interesting program together with our partners:

Novuss Presentation with live streaming and
Novuss Online competition “Novuss4everyone„ with live streaming. More Information about implemented activity you can find here:
https://www.novuss-sport.org/novuss7th-tafisa-world-sport-for-all-games/

The first intercontinental meeting was successfully organized on August 23, 2021, in Estonia. The primary focus of this virtual meeting was the finalization of unified novuss game rules and the presentation of the first draft of tournament recommendations guidelines.

The second intercontinental meeting was successfully organized on 17th June 2022 in Latvia, where the first draft of tournament recommendations and referee’s guidelines were presented, marking significant progress in the implementation phase of the project. The meeting provided an opportunity for fruitful discussions and valuable feedback, further strengthening the project’s objectives and outcomes.

The third intercontinental meeting was successfully organized on 29 July 2022 in Poland. The meeting aimed to review and release the Referees Guidelines and present the draft version of the ABC Book of Novuss, which consists of basics for Novuss players, recommendations for training and exercises.

The fourth intercontinental meeting was successfully organized on 30th June 2023 in Poland. The main focus of the meeting was to finalize and summarize the results of the project. The attendees explored potential opportunities for collaboration and discussed strategies to further disseminate the project’s outcomes.

Additionally, all intercontinental conference was combined with a world cup stages, allowing us to showcase the initial results of the project. The feedback received from participants was overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming that we have chosen the right focal points for the project.

It was agreed to order 30 pcs. Novuss Tables. The Novuss Table sets are used by interested organizations for testing and also for public events aimed at promoting the sport. By making the tables accessible for public use, we aim to generate interest and awareness about Novuss. All the tables has been ordered with Erasmus+ logotype, to see that equipment has been funded by Erasmus+.

The Erasmus+ project results platform features many inspiring sports projects from across the European Union! Check them out here: