Lombardy Region announces 10 million euro fund for outdoor sports

The Lombardy Region has launched the ‘Aree Sportive Giovani’ (Youth Sports Areas) initiative, a 10 million euro program designed to create and enhance outdoor sports spaces in municipal areas. The funding consists of 2 million euros in non-repayable grants from the Lombardy Region and 8 million euros guaranteed by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale.

Presented by Federica Picchi, the Undersecretary to the Presidency for Sport and Youth, the measure aims to transform urban squares, parks, and public spaces into accessible hubs for physical activity, social inclusion, and community gathering. The projects must include at least one calisthenics station and three fixed pieces of outdoor sports equipment. Additional funding may cover complementary improvements such as lighting, video surveillance, specialized flooring, urban furniture, and playgrounds.

The initiative also seeks to promote urban regeneration and accessibility for people with different abilities. Municipalities may voluntarily request zero-interest loans to cover project costs not met by the regional contribution. The program includes various disciplines such as basketball, mini-basketball, and table tennis.