Nordic Sports Project brings biathlon to Modena’s schools

An ongoing initiative aimed at promoting physical activity and introducing young people to winter sports is currently underway in the province of Modena. The project, titled “Nordic Sports”, is being led by Marco and Sandro Sala and runs from 7 April to 12 May.

As part of the programme, the instructors are working closely with local schools to deliver a series of engaging and dynamic physical education sessions. One of the main activities is taking place in San Dalmazio, where all five year groups of a primary school are involved. The pupils, aged between 7 and 11, are being introduced to a variety of disciplines inspired by Nordic sports.

The sessions include roller skiing and shooting practice with laser rifles, offering a safe and accessible introduction to biathlon. In addition, students take part in circuit training designed to develop coordination, balance and endurance. Older pupils are also given the opportunity to use a SkiErg machine, helping them to experience the upper-body demands of cross-country skiing.

A second strand of the project is being delivered in Vignola, where a class of 15 secondary school students is participating. These pupils will complete four physical education lessons, which also feature biathlon activities using laser rifles.

The overarching aim of the Nordic Sports project is to encourage children to lead active lifestyles and, ideally, to inspire some of them to join local sports clubs. At the same time, the initiative seeks to raise awareness of biathlon and make it more accessible in a region with a strong tradition of cross-country skiing.

By bringing these activities directly into schools, organisers hope to spark lasting interest in Nordic disciplines and provide young people with new and exciting ways to stay active.