The fifth edition of the European Athletics Mentoring Programme brought together emerging leaders from across the continent during the Ljubljana-Kamnik 2026 European Athletics Off-Road Championships, reinforcing the organisation's commitment to collaboration, innovation and the future growth of the sport.
Held over three days in the Slovenian capital, this year's programme was centred around the umbrella theme "Athletics for All", with 10 mentor-mentee pairs representing 16 European Athletics Member Federations taking part.
Exchange of knowledge and experience
The mentoring project aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between Member Federations while building a long-lasting network of professionals who can support one another in developing athletics across Europe.
By connecting experienced mentors with emerging leaders, the initiative continues to invest in the people who will help shape the sport in the years ahead.
Alongside opportunities to learn about each participant's individual projects and professional backgrounds, the programme featured presentations on innovation, project and change management, leadership and communication, as well as interactive networking sessions designed to strengthen relationships across the European Athletics community.
Participants also had the opportunity to experience the Ljubljana-Kamnik 2026 European Athletics Off-Road Championships first-hand, witnessing an event that successfully combines elite competition with mass participation and highlights the inclusive potential of off-road running.
Strengthening co-operation
European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov, who officially opened the programme, underlined the importance of the initiative in strengthening cooperation across the continent.
"It was great to open the 5th edition of the European Athletics Mentoring Programme in Ljubljana and meet the 10 mentor-mentee pairs, with participants coming from 16 Member Federations,” he said.
“It is inspiring to see how this European Athletics initiative connects people, encourages the exchange of knowledge and ideas but most importantly, it demonstrates the strength of our European Athletics family, working together with a shared goal: to continue growing and strengthening our sport for the future."
The programme concluded with discussions on leadership, communication and the next steps for participants, ensuring that the relationships established in Ljubljana will continue well beyond the weekend and contribute to a stronger, more connected European athletics community.
