One hundred and thirty three participants accepted our invitation and attended the official celebration to mark both the end of the 2nd year of Challenge Europe and launch its 3rd and final year. The event, in Kosice on the 7th May 2010, was held in cooperation with the Košice European Capital of Culture 2013 Office. Climate Advocates officially presented their projects from the past 12 months; Lets do Decarbministration(Energy Efficiency of Public Institutions), Energoportal (Energy Efficiency Portal for Municipalities) and Pathways to Green Towns.

There was plenty for guests to see and do during the event including displays of the Challenge Europe’s first year projects; demonstrations of the Climate Portal and examples of T-shirts from the Sciencewear competition. There was an opportunity to read copies of the Slovak version of the popular book by David Mackay “Sustainable energy – without the hot air” and for viewing “The Age of Stupid” was offered to those interested in films on climate change. Others decided to get more hands on and play the game Tree in the City created for young people as a part of the 2nd year Challenge Europe project, Pathways to Green Towns.

Patrons, Professor Milan Lapin and Katka Koščová, were among our guests with Katka contributing to the success of the event with her wonderful songs and Professor Lapin appreciating the work of Climate Advocates in his speech at the end of the programme. The audience and Climate Advocates were also greeted by the Mayor of Košice František Knapík and former Member of the European Parliament Ján Hudacký.

Katarina Šimončičová, a leading Slovak figure in environmental protection, summarised her impressions of the event. ”Challenge Europe is an excellent platform for young people who are given an opportunity to do a lot of useful activities for Slovakia. I liked the event venue but I was most impressed by the projects the Climate Advocates have worked on. The guidance offered within “Ways to Green Towns” is of enormous importance for this country. Every day I am literally bombarded by many questions that are all answered in that valuable material. It needs to be spread broadly and updated on a regular basis. Also the game created for young children is incredible. I didn't realize it was possible to pin down the problem of green areas protection so simply. Fantastic!"