On 23 March 2026, the Penha Campus of the University of Algarve hosted the 4th UAlg/SEA-EU Solidarity and Inclusive Run and Walk, bringing together 237 participants, including members of the academic community, representatives of partner institutions and external participants, in an initiative that combined sport, inclusion and solidarity.
Organised within the framework of the European University of the Seas – SEA-EU, and integrated into the La Solidaire de Brest 2026 initiative, this event challenged the academic community to run or walk at their own pace, with a shared goal: to turn every kilometre covered into donations for charitable causes. To date, 130 kilometres have been recorded via the Strava app, contributing to support beneficiary organisations in Brest, the French city where one of UAlg’s partner universities within the SEA-EU Alliance is located — the University of Brest.
The initiative also welcomed the participation of three students from the University of Brest — Titouan Grunchec, Sterenn Le Gouguec and Johann Segui — who were on mobility at the University of Algarve. Their presence reinforced the international dimension of the event and the spirit of cooperation among the Alliance’s universities. The students also took part in a programme of academic and leisure activities, which allowed them to better experience the university, the city and the surrounding region.
The inclusive nature of the event was also highlighted through the active participation of several local institutions — ASMAL, APPC, APATRIS21, AAPACDM and the Independent Living Centre — which mobilised their users and staff, representing people with diverse conditions and needs, including motor, intellectual and hearing impairments, autism and Down syndrome. This participation reinforced the initiative’s commitment to promoting equal opportunities and access to sport for all.
In addition to its sporting dimension, the event also included a solidarity component, with approximately 50 kg of food donations collected and later delivered to the association Somos Esperança (Olhão), contributing to support the local community.
The event was organised by the Sports Office of the UAlg Students’ Union (AAUAlg), with the involvement of several internal university structures and external partners. Among the contributions, particular emphasis should be given to the logistical and technical support provided by UAlg services, the engagement of academic volunteers, communication and institutional promotion, as well as the collaboration of external entities that ensured key aspects such as medical assistance, hydration points, route infrastructure and on-site activities.
Until 30 March, the entire academic community is still invited to continue contributing additional kilometres, further strengthening the collective impact of the initiative.
With this initiative, the University of Algarve reaffirms its commitment to a more active, inclusive and supportive university, aligned with the European values promoted by SEA-EU.
