Beyond Horizons: Bridging Communities Through Outdoor Adventures

Beyond Horizons: Bridging Communities Through Outdoor Adventures

As part of the Beyond Horizons exchange programme, I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Norway and immerse myself in a world of Nordic and mountain sports, culture, and community. Beyond Horizons is an international exchange co-ordinated by the European Outdoor Sports Network that brings together youth workers and sports professionals from across Europe. The project is designed to broaden perspectives, promote inclusive outdoor sports, and encourage intercultural learning through hands-on experiences in diverse environments. For our exchange, we travelled to the snow-covered heart of Norway—and it was nothing short of life-changing.

Coming from Ireland, where snow and mountain sports aren’t part of everyday life, the Norwegian experience felt completely new and exhilarating. We immersed ourselves in a wide variety of Nordic and mountain activities—cross-country skiing, dog mushing, tobogganing, and hiking across stunning landscapes. These were not just thrilling experiences; they were empowering. I constantly found myself outside of my comfort zone, learning new skills that challenged me physically and mentally, and it was an incredible feeling.

One moment that truly stood out was going tobogganing with a local group of people with disabilities who meet every Wednesday to take part in sport. It was a joyful, energetic session full of laughter and shared fun—we ran up snowy slopes together, sledded down at full speed, and ended the day with a big BBQ that finished in a spontaneous game of tag. It was heart-warming and inspiring, and what struck me most was how inclusive and accessible sport is in Norway. This group wasn’t just about physical activity—it was about connection, belonging, and the social benefits of being part of something. That sense of community was so strong, and it really highlighted just how important the social side of sport is—a common thread that connects both Norway and Ireland. Whether it’s on snowy slopes or local pitches, it’s that sense of belonging and connection that keeps people coming back. As those of us working in sports organisations continue to develop and deliver programmes, we must always keep this in mind: sport is just as much about people and relationships as it is about physical activity.

Another brilliant example of this inclusive approach is the BUA initiative—community equipment rental centres that allow youth to borrow a huge variety of outdoor and sports gear completely free of charge. From skis and snowshoes to sleeping bags and bicycles, BUA centres eliminate one of the biggest barriers to participation: cost. It’s a simple, effective model that makes even the most expensive sports accessible to everyone, regardless of background. I was blown away by the quality and variety of equipment on offer—it’s a fantastic system for promoting youth engagement in sport.

The cultural experiences were equally enriching. I learned about traditional Norwegian and Sami life by participating in cultural activities and sharing stories around the flames of an open fire. These experiences brought us closer to the local culture and deepened our understanding of the powerful relationship Norwegians have with nature and tradition. (https://www.bua.no/)

Perhaps the most valuable part of the Beyond Horizons programme was the people. Meeting others who are just as passionate about youth work, sport, and inclusion created a space for real learning, shared ideas, and long-lasting connections. We laughed, learned, and challenged each other—and I return home with a renewed passion for promoting inclusive, accessible, and fun sport for all.

I’m already looking forward to the next chapter of this exchange when we get to welcome the Norwegian group to Ireland. I can’t wait to return the hospitality and show them the best of what we have to offer—from our vibrant sports communities and stunning landscapes to the warmth, culture, and spirit that make Irish sport so unique. It’s an exciting opportunity to continue this meaningful exchange, strengthen international partnerships, and showcase the brilliant work happening here at home.

This experience has shown me just how powerful sport can be when it’s used as a tool for connection, empowerment, and inclusion. Norway set a brilliant example, and I’m excited to bring that inspiration back with me.

A special thank you to European Network of Outdoor Sports (ENOS) and Sport Ireland for co-ordinating the opportunity.