The e-PhyLi project (Promoting Physical Literacy and healthy lifestyles through digital materials for university students), funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme, aims to increase the knowledge and understanding of Physical Literacy among university students who intend to become physical education teachers and/or classroom primary school teachers who teach physical education, and to prepare them adequately to further promote Physical Literacy among their students, as part of their future teaching careers.

The project consortium consists of the University of Central Lancashire Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus), the Libera Università di Bolzano (unibz), GrantXpert Consulting (GX), Infinitivity Design Labs (IDL), and the European Physical Education Association (EUPEA). Prof. Attilio Carraro is in charge of the e-PhyLi project for the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano.

The importance of Physical Literacy

With a growing number of children, adolescents and adults leading sedentary lifestyles, the promotion of Physical Literacy is essential to support lifelong health and well-being. The consortium has adopted the Physical Literacy definition provided by the International Physical Literacy Association (IPLA): “Physical literacy can be described as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life”.

Features of the e-PhyLi project

The consortium is developing a suite of engaging digital resources specifically designed for university students studying Physical Education, Sport Pedagogy, Sport and Exercise Science, and related fields. These resources include:

• e-book: Already available in four languages (English, Italian, Greek, and French). It explores the concept of Physical Literacy and its application in physical education through eight learning modules;
• e-platform: Soon available in four languages (English, Italian, Greek, and French). It will offer interactive learning materials and two digital comic books;
• serious digital game (mobile app): Currently under development, it will aim to promote Physical Literacy through educational and pedagogical challenges.