#BEACTIVE DAY is a Europe-wide campaign coordinated by EuropeActive that encourages people of all ages and abilities to take part in free and inclusive physical activity events during the European Week of Sport. Delivered through a strong network of national associations and local organisers, the campaign aims to make physical activity accessible, visible and part of everyday life in communities across Europe.
The #BEACTIVE DAY final dissemination event, held on Thursday 4 December as part of EuropeActive’s Exercise for Health 2025 (EfH)- kindly hosted by MEP Nina Carberry in the European Parliament before continuing the afternoon programme at the Stanhope Hotel - marked a milestone in the campaign’s history by celebrating its most successful edition to date and reaching new audiences through an innovative format.
For its fifth edition, the conference- traditionally organised as a stand-alone dissemination event; was integrated into the Exercise for Health Event. This strategic choice reflected the campaign’s increasing focus on health and the growing recognition of physical activity as a public health priority. The combined format elevated the profile of #BEACTIVE DAY, strengthened its positioning within EU policy discussions, and maximised cross-sectoral impact.
Campaign with Growing Reach and Relevance
Through thousands of events delivered each year in fitness centres, schools, parks, workplaces and public spaces, #BEACTIVE DAY translates European policy objectives into tangible action at local level. Embedding the campaign’s final conference within Exercise for Health ensured that these grassroots achievements were showcased directly to EU policymakers and health representatives, significantly expanding the campaign’s visibility and influence.
The combined format created a clear win-win outcome. #BEACTIVE DAY benefited from a high-level institutional setting and cross-sector exposure, while Exercise for Health was strengthened by real-life examples of how inclusive physical activity initiatives are implemented across Europe.
2025 Unveils Record Results
During the event, the 2025 campaign results were officially unveiled with the publication of the new #BEACTIVE DAY brochure. The figures represent the highest impact achieved since the campaign began:
“These results show the incredible commitment of our national associations and local organisers, and the growing recognition of physical activity as a cornerstone of public health” Anna Harvan highlighted during her speech.
Exercise for Health at the Core of the Campaign
The 2025 edition placed a strong emphasis on Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA), highlighting the role of regular movement in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and respiratory conditions. By promoting adapted, accessible and inclusive physical activity, the campaign demonstrated how exercise can support long-term health outcomes, improve quality of life, and reduce the burden on health systems. This focus reinforced the message that physical activity is not only a lifestyle choice, but a key component of effective public health strategies.
Across participating countries, #BEACTIVE DAY events showcased inclusive approaches to physical activity, engaging people with disabilities, older adults, young people, and individuals living with chronic conditions through tailored and supportive programmes delivered in a wide range of community settings.
A central pillar of the campaign’s impact lies in capacity building. Since 2022, #BEACTIVE DAY has been supported by a series of free Inclusion Guides, providing practical resources to help organisers design welcoming and accessible activities. These guides have addressed key societal needs, including the engagement of women and girls, intergenerational participation, accessibility for people with disabilities and environmental sustainability, and in 2025, HEPA with a focus on people living with NCDs.
Looking Ahead: Mental Health and Wellbeing in 2026
Building on the momentum of 2025, the next edition of #BEACTIVE DAY will focus on mental health and wellbeing, recognising mental health as an essential component of overall health and quality of life.
Physical activity is one of the most effective and accessible protective factors for mental health. Across Europe, around one in six people lives with a mental health condition, and mental health challenges remain among the leading causes of reduced quality of life, particularly also for young people. Evidence consistently shows that regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep and cognitive function, build emotional resilience, and strengthen social connection. However, these benefits are strongest when physical activity takes place in environments that are inclusive, supportive and psychologically safe, where individuals feel welcome, respected and free from pressure or stigma.
As part of the 2026 campaign, EuropeActive will support organisers through dedicated capacity-building activities, including workshops, expert sessions and the publication of a Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide in spring 2026. The guide will provide practical guidance for the fitness and physical activity sector on how everyday settings can better support mental wellbeing in a responsible and meaningful way.
#BEACTIVE DAY is open to everyone. From universities and community centres to gyms, outdoor sport spaces and personal trainers, any organisation or individual can take part by organising a free and inclusive activity. By becoming an organiser, participants join a Europe-wide campaign that promotes physical activity as a powerful tool for mental health, wellbeing and social connection. Organisations and individuals interested in becoming part of the #BEACTIVE DAY campaign and receiving the campaign toolkit are invited to contact Anna Harvan, Campaign Manager at EuropeActive.
