The RACE4LIFE project has been meticulously designed to align with and support the implementation of European Union strategies related to sports, physical activity, social inclusion, and equal opportunities. The RACE4LIFE initiative—an acronym for Relatedness, Autonomy, Competencies, and Education—aims to bolster the capacity of health professionals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to use positive sports experiences to effect behavioral changes in individuals undergoing substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. The project’s primary objective is to develop a flexible and adaptable protocol for planning and delivering sports interventions aimed at promoting behavior change among individuals receiving SUD treatment.
The RACE4LIFE project is designed to endow professionals with the necessary competencies to design, plan, and implement sport-based interventions that facilitate and guide behavior change in SUD recovery. The intention is for these behavioral changes to be maintained throughout their treatment and social reintegration processes. More specifically, the project provides a structured framework that emphasizes the application of theory to the design of sport-based behavior change interventions within the SUD recovery context. It ensures that the content of these interventions, particularly the behavior change techniques, is clearly identified and effectively implemented.
By integrating theoretical and practical elements, the RACE4LIFE project not only enhances the practical skills of health professionals but also supports the broader EU agenda of promoting health, social inclusion, and equality through sports. This comprehensive approach seeks to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals undergoing SUD recovery, helping them to achieve lasting behavioral change and facilitating their reintegration into society.
