Every September, thousands of free events light up Europe under the #BEACTIVE DAY banner, a campaign designed to celebrate physical activity and underline the importance of exercise for all. An initiative of the European fitness and physical activity sector, the campaign is coordinated by EuropeActive in partnership with national associations across the continent.
This year, #BEACTIVE DAY placed a special focus on the role of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. To support this, EuropeActive published the HEPA Guide – freely available in nine languages; which offers evidence-based advice, programme design tips and inclusive strategies for professionals and communities.
A Milestone Opening in Copenhagen
An official partner of European Week of Sport (EWoS) since its inception, EuropeActive was proud to attend the opening ceremony in Copenhagen (23 September). This year’s edition marked the 10th anniversary of EWoS, and was celebrated in an urban sport facility, GAME Streetmekka, the gathering brought together 150 guests representing international organisations, NGOs, national coordinators and grassroots partners. Highlights included volunteer-led workshops in basketball, parkour and street football, as well as dance energisers.
A symbolic moment came when His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark joined European Commissioner Glenn Micallef and Denmark’s Minister for Culture for a basketball challenge – ten shots to symbolise ten years of the initiative. The event showcased the inclusive and celebratory spirit at the heart of the Week, reinforcing the call to “scroll less and move more.”
#BEACTIVE DAY in Brussels
EuropeActive hosted its third Brussels edition of #BEACTIVE DAY event on 30 September at the Complexe Sportif Cynthia Bolingo, in partnership with Réseau Santé Diabète and supported by Florence Frelinx, First Alderwoman of the City of Brussels.
In line with this year’s campaign focus, the event was articulated around adapted physical activity sessions to ensure accessibility for all. Residents from the Marolles neighbourhood (up to 86 years old!) joined a morning of activities that showcased how physical activity can be fun, inclusive, and accessible to all.
The programme opened with Sport sur ordonnance (adapted physical activity prescribed for health), followed by a calming sophrology session combining relaxation, movement, and breathwork, and concluded with an inclusive dance class led by a teacher experienced in working with neurological patients. The event was a celebration of diversity in movement, underlining that everyone can find their own way to be active.
A Pan-European Movement
Beyond Brussels, the campaign flourished across Europe with thousands of events reflecting local energy and creativity. Here are just a few examples:
- Czech Republic: Under the patronage of the President, the month-long “Active September” included over 45 events, a national opening in Prague, and a strong push to make physical activity a political priority.
- Germany: The campaign kicked off in Cologne with events led by AI Fitness and promoted under the “United Let’s Move” banner.
- Greece: From an “Acropolis Spinning” event to children’s judo, city-wide races, and group exercise in 700 gyms, Greece once again delivered a vibrant programme.
- Portugal: Activities ranged from a Fitness Open Week to free club vouchers for public sector workers, alongside health-centre initiatives and powerful video testimonials from people living with NCDs.
- Slovenia: Community events took place in Ljubljana and Maribor, continuing the tradition of bringing #BEACTIVE DAY into local neighbourhoods.
Beyond these examples, many more countries joined the movement, such as Ukraine, Ireland, or Latvia, emphasising the European dimension of #BEACTIVE DAY. Together, these initiatives underline the campaign’s breadth and the shared determination to make healthier, more active lives accessible to all.
Looking Ahead
With participation stretching across the continent and supported by the European Union, #BEACTIVE DAY 2025 reinforces the message that being active is for everyone, regardless of age, ability, background, or physical fitness levels. By combining evidence, inclusion and celebration, EuropeActive and its partners continue to show that movement is one of the most powerful tools for health and wellbeing.
As the HEPA Guide reminds us, physical activity is not just about fitness – it is about resilience, prevention and quality of life. And with each passing September, the #BEACTIVE DAY campaign brings Europe one step closer to that goal.
