Safe and Strong is a 24-month Erasmus+ Sport project, co-funded by the European Union, focused on addressing harmful weight-loss practices among young judo athletes. In weight-category sports like judo, rapid weight reduction is common, but when done without proper guidance, it can lead to serious health risks and negatively impact both well-being and performance. The project responds to this challenge by promoting safe body weight regulation (BWR) through education and awareness.
The main objective is to strengthen the knowledge and competencies of athletes, coaches, and parents, enabling them to adopt healthy, evidence-based approaches to weight management. By doing so, the project aims to create a safer sporting environment and reduce the prevalence of unsafe practices in judo.
Implemented by a transnational partnership of organisations from Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy, the project reflects a shared European commitment to athlete health, education through sport, and long-term athlete development.
Project activities were organised around three main areas: management and dissemination, development of educational resources, and awareness-raising among key target groups. A central achievement was the creation of the Guidelines on Safe Body Weight Regulation and the Safe & Strong E-book, which offer practical, science-based recommendations to replace harmful habits with safe, sustainable practices.
To ensure effective knowledge transfer, the project delivered workshops, seminars, and training sessions for athletes, coaches, and parents at both local and international levels. These activities combined theoretical knowledge—such as nutrition and risks of rapid weight loss—with practical strategies for safe implementation.
In parallel, communication campaigns using social media, websites, newsletters, and visual materials helped spread key messages, increase awareness, and engage the wider judo community. The project also strengthened cooperation among European judo stakeholders and contributed to the scientific discussion on athlete welfare.
Safe and Strong generated tangible results and impact across multiple levels. Athletes gained access to reliable information supporting healthier training and improved performance; coaches enhanced their professional competence; and parents became better equipped to support young athletes. At the organisational level, clubs increased their educational capacity and reinforced international collaboration.
In the long term, the project aims to reduce harmful weight-loss practices, improve athlete health and well-being, and promote a cultural shift towards safer and more ethical sport environments. Its educational resources are designed for continued use and could be adopted in other weight-category sports beyond judo.
Project Results
The project produced tangible educational outputs and generated meaningful impact across several levels. For athletes, improved access to accurate information supports healthier training habits, better performance, and reduced health risks. Coaches gained tools and knowledge to guide athletes responsibly, strengthening their professional competence. Parents became more aware of healthy weight management, enabling them to support young athletes better.
At the organisational level, participating clubs enhanced their educational capacity and strengthened international cooperation. The project also contributed to broader discussions on athlete welfare and ethical coaching practices in weight-category sports.
Expected long-term impacts include:
- Reduction of harmful rapid weight-loss practices in judo;
- Improved athlete health, well-being, and performance;
- Increased awareness and education across the judo community;
- Continued use and dissemination of the guidelines and educational materials;
- Potential adoption of safe weight regulation approaches by other sports with weight categories.
Key results:
- Development and publication of the Guidelines on Safe Body Weight Regulation;
- Creation of the Safe & Strong educational E-book as a comprehensive learning resource;
- Delivery of educational workshops for athletes, coaches, and parents to support practical adoption of safe practices;
- Production of communication and dissemination materials promoting awareness of healthy body weight regulation.
These results contributed to increased knowledge, awareness, and competence among target groups regarding safe weight management in judo.
Overall, Safe and Strong promotes a cultural shift towards safer, healthier sport environments by combining scientific knowledge, education, and international collaboration.
· CONSORTIUM ·
JUDO KLUB ZMAJCKI
COORDINATOR
PIC 883821709
E-mail: jkzmajcki@gmail.com
Kotnikova ulica 8, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
A.S.D. POLISPORTIVA D.L.F DI UDINE
PARTNER
PIC 923397903
E-mail: milena.judo@libero.it
Viale XXIII Marzo 1848 26, 331000 Udine, Italy
JUDO KLUB RIJEKA
PARTNER
PIC 890556516
E-mail: judoklubrijeka@gmail.com
Trg Viktoria Bubnja 1, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Disclaimer
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.