One month after it was held, the first edition of ICOS+ – International Congress on Outdoor Sports – continues to make an impact.
The event took place from June 25 to 27 at the Rio Maior School of Sport – Polytechnic University of Santarém – and brought together over 100 participants from 16 countries, creating a vibrant space for sharing, discussion, and exchange between different fields and professionals connected to Outdoor Sports.
Researchers, academics, sports and tourism professionals, representatives from local government, NGOs, and private organizations were all in attendance. In total, around 150 people were involved throughout two and a half days of work, focused on four main topics:
- Tourism and Management
- Outdoor Learning and Education
- Outdoor Sports Performance
- Health and Well-being
According to the congress chairman, Prof. Paulo Rosa,
“We are very proud of the results achieved. We managed to organize a high-level international event, with an outstanding group of speakers and a very high level of satisfaction.
Our expectation is that ICOS+ may mark the beginning of a new, lasting, and sustainable project that inspires academics and professionals to build a more sustainable future through outdoor sports.
For that reason, we are pleased to announce the intention to hold the 2nd edition of ICOS+ in 2027, with the location and date yet to be defined.”
For the President of the Polytechnic University of Santarém, Prof. João Moutão,
“It was both an honour and a responsibility to host this pioneering congress. We brought together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts from all over the world and created a space for debate, innovation, and collaboration.
The Polytechnic University of Santarém is committed to supporting future editions of ICOS+, so that this event may continue to grow and inspire new practices, research, and partnerships.”
ICOS+ 2025 also featured 43 oral presentations, 22 research posters, 8 workshops, 3 roundtables, physical activity sessions, a social programme, and a special screening of the European Outdoor Film Tour (EOFT), organized in partnership with the Municipality of Rio Maior.
A total of 30 formal partnerships were established, and the event brought together 23 guest experts, 25 organizing team members, and many dedicated volunteers.
ICOS+ proved that Outdoor Sports are a field full of scientific, professional, and human vitality.
We thank everyone who helped make this event possible — and we hope to see you again in 2027, for the second edition.
