Sports Association GAIA

National Park of the Sibillini Mountains

The Amateur Sports Association GAIA was born from the experience and passion of a group of professionals who, since the 1980s, have distinguished themselves as lifeguards, instructors, and athletic trainers in swimming recognized by F.I.N. (Italian Swimming Federation), with expertise in managing swimming facilities.

Starting from 1985, these outdoor pioneers began exploring numerous rivers in Italy and abroad, refining their skills with different types of boats until becoming canoe instructors of F.I.C.K. (Italian Canoe Kayak Federation)

In 1992, they decided to transform this passion into a shared project and founded A.S.D. GAIA affiliated with CSI (Italian Sports Center), with the aim of promoting and spreading the culture of sports and outdoor activities.

Our Evolution

1994

GAIA establishes the first rafting and canoeing center on the Corno River in Umbria, with a strong focus on training river guides, safety, and environmental protection.

2004

GAIA manages the Cupi Hiking Refuge (GAS – Great Ring of the Sibillini) on behalf of the National Park Authority of the Sibillini Mountains. Activities expand to include hiking, orienteering, cycling, and much more. The experience is interrupted due to the structure becoming unusable because of the earthquake.

2009

The association is recognized as a C.E.A. (Environmental Education Center) of the Marche Region, initiating numerous environmental-motor education projects and promoting responsible tourism that involves hundreds of students each year.

2011

In collaboration with local authorities and the Park Authority, and thanks to the concession of Enel, the Adventure in the Park sports facility is born at Lake Fiastra. In this extraordinary natural context, it is possible to practice adventure park/climbing, canoeing, orienteering, trekking, Nordic walking, and other outdoor activities in full harmony with the environment.

from 2018

GAIA transfers the operational base of its rafting and canoeing center to the former railway station of Serravalle di Norcia, which serves as a sports facility for rafting, canoeing, biking, trekking, and much more.

Training and Professionalism

Over the years, GAIA has trained numerous guides and instructors in the practiced disciplines, also contributing to external training projects. Among these:

The O.P.I. (First Aid Operator) course of CESVOL, aimed at entities such as Civil Protection, Forestry, Red Cross, Law Enforcement, and Fire Department, where GAIA contributed as an expert in aquatic emergencies and natural disaster scenarios.

The PAN course (Expert for the use of environmental and natural heritage), promoted by the Province of Perugia.