On Saturday, 18 April 2026, FORTEe hosted a truly special event: the sports day “Kickin’ Cancer – Every Move Counts”. Children, adolescents, and young adults who have or have had cancer, along with their families, came together from across Germany and Europe to share a day centered on movement, connection, and inspiration.

Organised in collaboration with Kinderkrebshilfe Mainz e.V., the event created a welcoming and inclusive space where participants could explore a wide range of sports and activities. From dancing and football to acrobatics, basketball, rowing, and martial arts, attendees had the opportunity to try new forms of exercise at their own pace and in their own way. We were in particular happy to welcome FORTEe athletes from our European-wide FORTEe study in Mainz!

Beyond physical activity, the day offered meaningful opportunities to connect. Participants met inspiring athletes, shared personal experiences, and discovered new ways to stay active during and after cancer treatment. The focus was not only on exercise, but on fostering a sense of community, integration, and mutual support.

A sincere thank you goes to all partners and supporters who contributed to making this day possible. Their commitment continues to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people affected by cancer.

The 3rd Pediatric Exercise Oncology Congress, held in collaboration with FORTEe in Mainz, brought together an international community dedicated to advancing the field of pediatric exercise oncology on 16 and 17 Apil 2026. The event provided a dynamic platform for exchange, marked by stimulating discussions and an open sharing of knowledge, experiences, and perspectives.

One of the most notable aspects of the congress was the strong sense of community. Participants from across the globe contributed to an atmosphere defined by collaboration and a shared commitment to improving treatment and survivorship outcomes for children and adolescents affected by cancer. The congress highlighted how far pediatric exercise oncology has come, while also reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration to translate scientific advances into meaningful improvements in patient care. Sustaining this momentum will be essential to ensure that research findings are effectively implemented and accessible to all who can benefit.

A particular highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding early-career researchers. Lauren Ha received the award for Best Oral Presentation, while FORTEe-researcher Lena Wypyrsczyk was honoured with the Best Poster Presentation.

Looking ahead, the discussions initiated in Mainz will continue to shape future efforts. A key priority remains to expand the reach of exercise interventions beyond specialised centres and into the daily lives of young patients – within their families, communities, and broader support systems.

On 16 April 2026, the FORTEe consortium gathered in Mainz for its final General Assembly Meeting. Held in the home city of the coordination team, the meeting brought partners together one last time under the leadership of coordinators Jörg Faber, Marie Neu, and Elias Dreismickenbecker.

More than a formal milestone, the final General Assembly offered a valuable opportunity to reconnect, reflect on achievements, and celebrate the people behind the project. Throughout the day, partners shared final updates, discussed key results, and aligned on the remaining steps toward successful project completion. Behind every dataset, publication, and intervention developed within FORTEe stands a dedicated community of researchers and clinicians, all committed to improving quality of life for young patients during and after cancer treatment. This collective effort has laid important foundations for the field of pediatric exercise oncology and will continue to shape research and practice well beyond the project’s lifetime.

The atmosphere in Mainz was both reflective and forward-looking. It was a recognition of what has been achieved and a shared commitment to what lies ahead. The FORTEe consortium leaves this final assembly with strengthened partnerships and a lasting imprint on improving care for children and adolescents with cancer.
As this chapter comes to a close, the impact of FORTEe continues: through science, through collaboration, and through the people who made it possible.