Sport and the Future: 45 Million for State-of-the-Art Equipment in Sports-Focused Scientific Licei

A significant injection of funds to transform physical education and sport in Italian schools. The Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM) has allocated a public notice worth 45 million euros dedicated exclusively to providing modern equipment for Licei Scientifici a Indirizzo Sportivo (sports-focused scientific upper secondary schools).

This measure, implementing the ministerial decree of 27 May 2025, aims to strengthen hands-on, lab-based teaching and bring tangible improvements to students’ skills in sports disciplines , ensuring stimulating learning environments that are equal to today’s educational challenges.

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Sport as a “Training Ground for Life” and an Educational Value

 

The initiative reaffirms the central role of sport not only as physical activity but as a vehicle for values that are fundamental to young people’s growth. Minister Giuseppe Valditara highlighted the strategic vision behind this investment:

“We are continuing our commitment to strengthening sports facilities in schools. Sport is a true training ground for life: it improves health and physical and mental wellbeing, encourages team spirit, develops young people’s talents and helps to tackle early school leaving. Investing in school gyms means investing in the future of our young people”.

The purchase of new equipment, which schools may carry out from the date of authorisation until the end of the school year 2025/2026, aims to strengthen an educational pathway based on mutual respect, fair play and healthy competition.

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A Total Investment Plan Worth 921 Million Euros

 

These 45 million for sports-focused Licei are part of a much broader, structural investment plan for school buildings and sports infrastructure.

The total investment in infrastructure and the construction of new gyms and teaching spaces reaches a record 921 million euros. Of this, around 600 million comes from resources additional to the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), from national funds and European structural funds (ERDF/FESR), to which are added the 45 million reserved for sports-focused Licei. The specific initiative for equipment is funded by the Programma Nazionale Scuola 2021-2027 (ERDF/FESR fund).

Interested schools must submit their project proposals by 18:00 on 10 October 2025.