The Week Is On!

I encourage all children, who like me, live with a health condition to not be half-hearted about sports, and find time to be active. If every child finds a sport that interests him, the experience of the sport will surely be a positive one – Jake Vella European Week of Sport Ambassador. 

Physical inactivity in Malta and across Europe is stagnating and even declining in some countries, with a negative impact on people’s quality of life, as well as on the economy. According to the European Commission, the proportion of people who never exercise or play sport is worryingly high at 35%! Girls are more likely to do less exercise or sport than boys.

As part of the #BeActive campaign, the European Week of Sport (23-30 September) is organising events in various localities in Malta. The events will focus on sport in schools, workplaces, outdoors, in sport clubs and fitness centres.

Since it’s launch five years ago, over 40 million people have taken part across 38 countries! Sport Malta CEO Mark Cutajar said “We are very enthusiastic that we’re organising all these events for another edition of the European Week of Sport. We are encouraged to see ever-increasing participation in sport and fitness activities.

The European Commissioner responsible for Sport, Tibor Navracsics, added: “The lack of physical activity in our modern lifestyles leads to major health problems and costs our economies billions. We can all be active in different ways – from taking a short walk to running a marathon. I am calling on everyone to join us in the European Week of Sport.”

Finland, which currently holds the Presidency of the EU, will officially launch the Week on 23 September with an Opening Ceremony in Espoo.