Sport, Integration and Mental health through Physically Active Learning

The SIMPAL project (Sport, Integration and Mental Health through Physically Active Learning) is in full swing, and the adventure has officially begun! Polish and Ukrainian students have taken on their first exciting challenges, diving into creative tasks, physical activity, teamwork, and emotional learning. With each mission, they’re not only moving their bodies, but also building empathy, curiosity and community. Let’s take a look at what’s happened so far! 

Challenge #1 – Secret codes and detective work
February 2025

It all started with a mystery. Students received their detective cards and jumped into the world of investigations and clever clues. At 40 schools across Poland, our young agents cracked secret codes, followed hidden hints, and carefully recorded their evidence in ‘Strictly Secret Files’.
Through observation, logic and collaboration, the challenge sparked both excitement and cooperation. Students weren’t just solving puzzles—they were building trust, sharpening focus, and learning to work as a team.

Challenge #2 – the power of emotions
March 2025

Next stop: the Museum of Microminiatures in Kyiv! This unique virtual journey introduced students to the world of precision and perspective. But this challenge wasn’t just about scale—it was about self-awareness, too.
Students explored their feelings through creative tasks, learning how emotions shape our experience. With the help of playful metaphors like “becoming soap bubbles,” they learned calming breathing techniques that help with focus and emotional regulation.

https://akademia.krokietilama.pl/programs/simpal_bubbles_1-9dc34c?category_id=85209

It was a month of wonder, wellness and wisdom—and a reminder that small things (and small gestures) can have a big impact.

Challenge #3 – Emotions in motion
April 2025

In our third mission, we headed to Wrocław. Along the way, students explored the changing nature of emotions.
Using the idea of “inner weather,” classes created Class Weather Maps to express how they felt each day—because everyone has their storms and sunshine.
We also practiced kindness: small gestures that bring a rainbow to someone else’s cloudy moment. The challenge was a blend of joy, movement, empathy and friendship—and a powerful reminder that emotions connect us all.

 What participants are saying

“The children are delighted with the project. They can't wait for the next challenge. Meryl has stolen their hearts and Watson has made them laugh. It's really a fun thing for them.” — Stanislaw Staszic Elementary School No. 171 in Warsaw

“We are shuffling our feet in anticipation of the next task!” — Students of class 1d, Elementary School No. 32 in Wrocław

Teachers and parents alike are noticing the difference: more smiles, more teamwork, more emotional awareness—and most importantly, stronger bonds between Polish and Ukrainian classmates.

Learn more about the project: pal.isca.org/simpal

SIMPAL Project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.