How can health screenings become more accessible in smaller communities? How can young people be given new opportunities to participate in sports, and how can the local presence of parasports be strengthened? The project titled “Sports and Health in the Service of Baranya County” addresses these questions by introducing new health promotion, sports, and community programs in 30 towns across four districts. The details of the program were presented to the county’s mayors on November 10.
Health promotion and regular physical activity are not merely individual matters: they also shape the quality of life, cohesion, and long-term development of local communities. This approach is embodied by the initiative titled “Sports and Health in the Service of Baranya County,” which aims to make prevention, health awareness, and sports opportunities more accessible to residents of the county’s smaller towns as well.
A municipal information session on the details of the project was held on November 10, 2026, where representatives of the municipalities were able to learn about the planned programs, the framework for implementation, and opportunities for cooperation.
Health screenings are coming to your doorstep
In her presentation, Dóra Egry, managing director of the Baranya County Development Agency Nonprofit Ltd., explained that one of the project’s most important goals is to ensure that preventive health care is available not only in larger cities. To this end, a mobile health screening bus will travel to the 30 participating communities. Equipped with three examination rooms, the vehicle will allow residents to undergo various screenings and health assessments on-site, making it easier for those who have difficulty reaching health centers to access preventive care.
In addition to the mobile screening bus, themed health days are also being organized in every participating community. At these events, visitors can expect health promotion booths, lifestyle-related presentations, demonstrations, and interactive and family-friendly programs. Topics include healthy eating, regular exercise, accident prevention, physical and mental well-being, and stress management.
Another important part of the programs is the development of digital health literacy. Participants can receive practical assistance with using EESZT, eRecept, and EgészségAblak, booking appointments online, and recognizing reliable health information.
The initiative also focuses on everyday safety: as part of the BikeSafe program, residents can register their bicycles in the national database free of charge. The project aims to register a total of 3,000 bicycles, which can help identify stolen bikes and return them to their owners.
Sports Are for Everyone – PEAC Programs Are Expanding to Local Communities
In addition to prevention, the project also places a strong emphasis on regular physical activity and expanding opportunities for sports. The Pécs University Athletic Club (PEAC), with a history dating back more than a century, plays a key role in this effort, applying its experience in sports and parasports to communities throughout the county. In his presentation, Dr. Márk Hoffbauer, executive director of PTE-PEAC, explained which program components will be available through the sports club.
As part of the PEAC Coming to Your Community program, various sports are brought directly to local communities. PEAC’s sports clubs are scheduled to participate in the project’s health days on six occasions, and they will also organize sports-tryout sessions at eight schools in the four participating districts. Among other things, young people can try table tennis, wrestling, cheerleading, combat sports, futsal, para sports, volleyball, and fencing.
The PEAC Open program component provides talented athletes with opportunities to advance. A regional selection program is being launched in the fields of table tennis, wrestling, combat sports, and fencing, and selected athletes may also receive travel grants.
A particularly important aspect of the initiative is strengthening the local infrastructure for parasports. As part of the project, organizers are developing training programs for parasports coaches and mentors so that the participating communities will have qualified professionals who can help people with disabilities participate in sports, support the development of talented athletes, and contribute to the creation of more inclusive communities.
The active participation of local communities is the key to success
The “Sports and Health in the Service of Baranya County” project involves 30 municipalities in the districts of Pécs, Mohács, Bóly, and Pécsvárad. As members of a consortium led by the Baranya County Government, the Baranya County Government Office, the Baranya County Development Agency Nonprofit Ltd., and the Pécs University Athletics Club are collaborating on the project’s implementation.
The successful implementation of these programs also requires the partnership of local governments. Their primary responsibilities include securing suitable venues and ensuring the necessary local conditions, designating a point of contact, and supporting efforts to inform residents and local communities. Specific dates and organizational details will be coordinated separately with each municipality.
According to the project’s approach, health promotion, sports, and community development are mutually reinforcing areas. If screenings, knowledge about a health-conscious lifestyle, and opportunities for physical activity become available locally, this can have a positive impact not only on individuals’ quality of life but also on community life in these towns.
The planned implementation of the programs will continue through October 31, 2028, and the project’s full implementation period will end on December 31, 2028. The goal is a more active, health-conscious, and inclusive Baranya, where one’s place of residence does not pose a barrier to maintaining good health and participating in sports.
