Sport as a force for change and community

21.01.2026
General

Jan Střecha at the 2024 graduation ceremony, where he also gave the commencement speech - his master's thesis formed the basis for an article later published in the journal Future Transportation.

From research to practical projects to sporting successes: under the motto Study. Sport. Succeed., sport shaped every aspect of the past year at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol.

Sport lives on! The past year has shown the wide range of sports that can be enjoyed at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. From research projects with international impact to practical events and new support programs: sport not only gets people moving physically on campus, but also socially.

The Institute for Sport & Sustainable Development has thus further established itself as a central platform for combining sport with ecological and social responsibility. Under the direction of Prof. (FH) Dr. Louis Moustakas, intensive research has been conducted on the topics of sport & development, sport & health, and sport & environmental protection.

The focus was on practical projects and collaborations: from analyzing sustainable sporting events to developing concepts for more exercise and inclusion. This clearly shows how sport not only inspires enthusiasm, but also acts as a driver for social transformation.

PASS: MAKING SPORT POLITICALLY POWERFUL

One of the institute's flagship international projects is PASS – Policy Advocacy for Sport and Society (2024–2026). The project strengthens the political advocacy of sports organizations in Europe and is developing a toolkit and a digital learning course, which are expected to be available from 2026.

In April 2025, the seven partner organizations met in Kufstein to coordinate content and tools. The aim is to empower sports stakeholders across Europe to actively influence political frameworks and thus promote education, equality, and participation in a sustainable manner.

KNOWLEDGE THAT MAKES AN IMPACT

The university's impact was also evident in scientific publications: a specialist article on compulsory helmet use in urban cycling, based on a master's thesis, was published in an international journal and received widespread attention. In addition, the book Sport for Social Cohesion – Theoretical and Practical Perspectives, co-edited by Prof. (FH) Dr. Louis Moustakas, was published – a work that takes a critical and practical look at the social contribution of sport.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES: PRACTICAL PROJECTS AND EVENTS

In addition to research and theory, the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol also impressed with practical projects and sporting highlights:

Students developed a project handbook for the Kandahar Ski World Cup races in St. Anton - a strategic tool that will facilitate organization and processes in the future.
In June 2025, the practical project Girls Move the World transformed the Tyrol State Sports Center in Innsbruck into a playful exercise space for girls aged 8 to 14; participants were able to try out a variety of sports and make contact with clubs.
With the premiere of the Kuftrail UAM 2025, a Unisport Austria championship in trail running was held in Kufstein for the first time - implemented as a green event with a clear focus on sustainability.

These projects demonstrate how sporting activities at the university can be combined with social impact and practical relevance.

FOSTERING TALENT: SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Another highlight was the awarding of the first international ice hockey scholarship in cooperation with HC Kufstein Dragons. Since fall 2025, Finnish player Aleksi Airaksinen has been combining his drone engineering studies at the university of applied sciences with a sporting career on the ice. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the dual promotion of studies and competitive sports.

Aleksi Airaksinen is taking off - on the ice and in the lecture hall.

In addition to the ice hockey scholarship, students were also selected for scholarships in basketball and baseball. Jakub Hussain (Austria) and Diego Martinez Lopez (Spain) were nominated for the Towers Scholarships, while Garret Wilfrid Gagnon (USA) will receive support in the future with the Vikings Scholarship.

Study. Sport. Succeed.

The close connection between studying and sports at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is also emphasized by the new motto Study. Sport. Succeed. In keeping with this motto, videos produced by students were published on the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol YouTube channel last year. They clearly show how academic education, a passion for sports, and success can be combined.

The past year has proven that sport at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is more than just exercise. It is a field of research, an educational tool, a practical laboratory, and a stage for talent. Projects such as PASS, successful publications, practical events, and new scholarship programs have made it clear that sport is a driver of change, community, and sustainable development.