On the 28th September, schools from all Educational Sectors will be joining students from over 30 European Countries in the European School Sports Day (ESSD). The ESSD is a Pan-European initiative to promote physical activity, health and wellbeing in schools. This event is supported by the EU Commission and forms part of the European Week of Sportâs (EWoS) #BeActive Campaign. The ESSD is an annual sports day, aimed at encouraging students to adopt a healthy lifestyle, whereby students are engaged in 120 minutes of physical activity.
From a pilot project in 3 countries in 2015 (led by the Hungarian School Sport Federation), it expanded to a total of 20 countries in 2016. Maltaâs first participation in the ESSD was in 2016, with over 60 schools from all educational sectors joining the first group of 20 EU countries in this school sports celebration.
Due to the rapid growth in participation, ESSD18 has been given the recognition of an EWoS flagship event.  With a thematic focus on Grassroots Sports, ESSD18 is aiming to register an increased number of participating schools from countries over 30 EU countries. The event happening on the first Friday of the scholastic year makes it an ideal team building opportunity for school staff and students, hence the initiation of a solid relationship.  Other than promote health and well-being for lifelong learning, activities are aimed to develop studentsâ social competencies by being inclusive, fun, foster social inclusion, boost self-esteem, encourage gender equality and develop school ethos.
The set objectives for #MaltaESSD2018 are to increase the number of participating schools from all educational sectors, increase number of physically active participants and foster the ESSD philosophy. SportMalta is committed to support participating schools in the successful organisation of their schoolâs ESSD.