Campaigns to get the nation sweating this September

Two campaigns are taking place in September in an effort to increase physical activity in the UK.

The first ever European Week of Sport will be held in September as part of plans to combat the decline in physical activity across the continent.

The initiative, which is being driven by the European Commission (EC), is focused at a national, regional and local level and is structured to include themes and activities that appeal to all audiences. The week runs from 7 – 13 September.

To make the most of the campaign, the EC is encouraging clubs, gyms, schools, universities, employers and volunteer groups to register and take part, by organising their own European Week of Sport-themed activities and events.

The week is being structured around four “focus days” – education environment; workplace; outdoors; and sport clubs and fitness centres.

Confirmed events happening across Europe include Bring a Buddy Parkrun, fancy dress runs, family fun days, bike rides, sports club open days and taster sessions in a number of sports.

In the UK, the first 100 events to register on the European Week of Sport website will win a goodie pack containing branded goods.

The European Week of Sport comes at a time when participation in sport and physical activity is flatlining across European Union member states – and in some cases even declining.

According to the latest Eurobarometer on Physical Activity, 59 per cent of EU citizens "never or seldom" exercise or play sport – but 37 per cent sit more than 5.5 hours per day.

When asked for the barriers that prevent people taking part in sport, 42 per cent cited shortage of time while a further 20 per cent blamed lack of motivation.

The spokesperson for the EC added: “The Week is for everyone - regardless of age, background or fitness level.

“It should bring together individuals, public authorities, the sport movement, civil society organisations and the private sector. Through the focus on grassroots initiatives, the Week will inspire Europeans to be active on a regular basis and create opportunities in people’s everyday lives to exercise more.”

A social media campaign has been launched to support the initiative and will use the hashtag #BeActive.

Also during September is National Fitness Day in the UK. This year the Day is seeing major health and fitness operators such as Fitness First, Parkwood Leisure and Places for People Leisure sign up to offer free health and fitness sessions to members and non-members alike across their sites.

National Fitness Day, which this year takes place on 9 September, is the largest celebration of physical activity in the UK. The day will see thousands of people take part in free ‘Power Half Hour’ exercise events at gyms, leisure clubs and parks across the country and more than 800 sites have already signed up for this year’s event.

Last year’s National Fitness Day saw nearly 2,000 venues open their doors to run free exercise sessions which were accessed by 27 million people.

Engaging with the education sector has been highlighted as a key area for this year’s National Fitness Day. Primary schools across the UK are being asked to make a pledge to take part in the day. Schools are being encouraged to run activities designed to get their pupils more active.

In order to help schools create an engaging activity programme, a tailored toolkit of information has been produced. Efforts will focus on getting children of all ages to positively engage with physical activity, building habits that will set them up to be an active adult.

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