When Europe Moves Together: #BEACTIVE DAY 2024

On 23rd September 2024, Europe once again came together to celebrate #BEACTIVE DAY, a continent-wide initiative promoting physical activity, health, and well-being. This year’s edition, spanning 21 countries, was held as part of the European Week of Sport, an annual event spearheaded by the European Commission to encourage people of all ages and abilities to embrace active lifestyles. With a strong focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability, the #BEACTIVE DAY campaign continues to play a pivotal role in building healthier communities across Europe.

Accessibility and Sustainability at the Core of #BEACTIVE DAY

The 2024 campaign placed a special emphasis on making physical activity accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. In various European countries, dedicated events were organised to ensure that people with disabilities had the opportunity to participate in sports, highlighting the campaign’s commitment to inclusivity. These events reinforced the message that sport is for everyone, regardless of ability, age, or background.

Sustainability was also a central theme, with event organisers across Europe implementing eco-friendly measures to minimise the environmental impact of their activities. From promoting sustainable transport to reducing waste, the #BEACTIVE DAY events not only encouraged physical well-being but also underscored the importance of environmental responsibility.

More about the Accessibility and Sustainability Guides available in 9 languages for free is available here.

Highlights from Across Europe

A wide variety of activities were held throughout Europe as part of the #BEACTIVE DAY campaign. In Ukraine, school challenges were organised to promote physical activity among students, showing the resilience and strength of the country’s youth despite difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, in Frankfurt, Urban Sports Club hosted a vibrant community run, bringing together participants for a day of fitness and camaraderie.

In France, L’Orange Bleue gyms played an active role in supporting the campaign, offering a range of fitness activities across their locations. Additionally, France Active-FNEAPL mobilised more than 1,200 gyms throughout the country, encouraging thousands of people to get involved in various fitness activities. This widespread participation helped reinforce the message that fitness is accessible to everyone, no matter where they are.

Among the campaign’s key contributors was also Basic-Fit, which took part in #BEACTIVE DAY by organising free workout sessions across its gyms. Basic-Fit’s efforts aimed to make fitness more accessible, engaging thousands of participants in various activities and reinforcing the message that fitness is a right for all.

Brussels Kick-off Focuses on Inclusivity

Ahead of the European-wide #BEACTIVE DAY, Brussels hosted a special kick-off event on 14th September, co-organised by EuropeActive and AKV MOVE. This event brought together 50 participants, celebrating fitness and wellness while highlighting the campaign’s core themes of inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Special efforts were made to ensure participants of all backgrounds and abilities could take part, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

In addition to promoting physical activity, the Brussels event had a strong charitable focus, with all registration fees donated to Cap sur le Sport, a non-profit organisation working to make sports accessible to individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. This partnership strengthened the campaign’s mission of inclusivity, helping to break down barriers to participation in sport.

EuropeActive Joins the European Week of Sport Opening in Budapest

At the same time, EuropeActive was present in Budapest for the official opening of the European Week of Sport, hosted by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Held at the National Athletic Centre on 23rd September, the opening ceremony celebrated the power of sport to unite people across generations and sectors.

Prominent speakers such as Dr. Adam Schmidt, Hungary’s Secretary of State for Sport, and Georg Häusler, Director for Culture, Creativity, and Sport at DG EAC, emphasised the strategic importance of sport for promoting health and inclusion. They also highlighted the need to tackle high levels of physical inactivity, particularly among children, whose school systems often lack sufficient opportunities for movement.

Juan Antonio Samaranch, Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee, praised the success of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which set new benchmarks for sustainability by reducing carbon emissions by 50% compared to the London 2012 Games. His remarks reflected the broader theme of sustainability that ran through the week’s events, calling for governments to see investment in physical activity as a public health priority.

A Europe-Wide Call to Action

The 2024 #BEACTIVE DAY, along with the European Week of Sport running from 23rd to 30th September, underscored the message that sport and physical activity are for everyone. From North Macedonia to Portugal, the campaign made strides in creating inclusive opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, to engage in active lifestyles. The values of inclusivity, sustainability, and well-being were at the heart of the campaign, ensuring its positive impact reaches communities across the continent.

With events in 21 countries, #BEACTIVE DAY has grown into one of Europe’s largest fitness initiatives, promoting the idea that sport is not just a physical activity but a way of bringing people together. As the campaign continues to evolve, the focus remains on encouraging everyone to be more active and to celebrate the power of movement.

Website: www.beactiveday.eu

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