The seventh edition of the European Week of Sport is taking place from 23rd-30th September 2021. This year's theme highlights the power of physical activity to bring joy, build resilience and connect generations.
For six years, the European Week of Sport has helped tackle the inactivity crisis by encouraging Europeans to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.
Launched in 2015 the European Week of Sport was created in response to the worsening inactivity crisis. Despite sport and physical activity substantially contributing to the well-being of European citizens, the level of physical activity is currently stagnating and even declining in some countries.
EWoS launched by the European Commission
This is why the European Week of Sport exists - to bring awareness of how important an active lifestyle is for everyone. The Week is designed to give people across the world a springboard into being active, during the whole year.
And year after year the key actors of the EWoS, such as National Coordinating Bodies, Partners and Ambassadors, raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and the resumption of sports activities, whether indoor or outdoor, for the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Over 71 million people across 42 countries and regions have joined in the Week’s activities over the years.
Sport is not only about the body
While the physical and mental benefits of sport and physical activity need no introduction, our core themes for this year’s campaign do deserve one. “Joy”, “resilience” and “intergenerational” will bring EWoS to life through inspirational and real-life stories.
Sport is undeniably a source of joy for both individuals and communities and joyful exercise is, in turn, a motivator for physical activity. Sport can bring joy in many ways, and not always by making us physically stronger.
Resilience is to be celebrated and maintained via sports
Physical activity is proven to build resilience for all on a daily basis and through challenging times. If there’s anything that the past months have taught us, it’s that, even in the toughest of circumstances, it is possible to #BeActive. Along with an uptake in home workouts, there has been a surge of interest in sports such as running and cycling, the only sports available during lockdowns in many countries. As we move towards the easing of restrictions and the reopening of society, it’s now time, more than ever, to become and remain active.
In addition to changing modes of physical activity, COVID-19 has increased awareness around the importance of communities. As we gradually move towards a post-COVID era, it will be essential to focus on rebuilding communities. Sport can play a big role here, as it has the power to bring us together and bridge the generational gap between young and old.
