Thousands of Free Activities Across Europe
The 2026 edition of #BEACTIVE DAY was officially launched on 6 May during European Mental Health Week, kickstarting another year of action to inspire more people across Europe to embrace physical activity and active lifestyles.
Coordinated by EuropeActive, #BEACTIVE DAY is a Europe-wide campaign that encourages people of all ages and abilities to participate in free and inclusive physical activity events during the European Week of Sport. The 2026 #BEACTIVE DAY project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and implemented in partnership with project partners from Belgium, Greece, Latvia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden. Together with other EuropeActive’s National Association participating to the campaign,they will mobilise thousands of fitness clubs, community organisations, schools, workplaces, public authorities, and sport providers to deliver activities in the lead-up to and around 23 September, contributing directly to the European Commission’s European Week of Sport.
Building Capacity Through Practical Resources
During the webinar launch on 6 May, participants were introduced to the campaign's updated visual identity and communication toolkit, providing organisers with the resources needed to begin preparations for their national and local activities. Organisers can now access a range of campaign materials, including promotional assets, communication resources, and the official campaign promotional video available through EuropeActive's YouTube channel.
Since 2022, the campaign has supported organisers through a series of free Inclusion Guides designed to help fitness and physical activity providers create welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environments. Previous editions have addressed key societal priorities including the inclusion of women and girls, intergenerational participation, accessibility for people with disabilities, environmental sustainability, and Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) with a focus on people living with non-communicable diseases.The Guides are available on multiple languages on EuropeActive’s website.
In 2026, this series continues with a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide, unveiled during the webinar and soon to be available in multiple languages to support campaign organisers and fitness professionals across Europe.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide
One of the key highlights of the webinar was Dr Richard Bailey's presentation on the 2026 campaign theme, which explored the relationship between physical activity and mental health, with a particular focus on how the fitness and physical activity sector can support the wellbeing of young people.
His presentation highlighted a growing body of evidence demonstrating that regular physical activity can improve mental health outcomes by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhancing sleep quality and cognitive function, strengthening emotional resilience, and fostering meaningful social connections. These benefits are particularly important given that one in six people in Europe experiences a mental health condition, while mental health challenges remain among the leading causes of reduced wellbeing and quality of life, especially among younger generations.
Dr. Bailey also stressed that the positive impact of physical activity is maximised when participation takes place in environments that are inclusive, supportive, and psychologically safe.
To help organisations create such environments, the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Guide has been developed by Dr Bailey and his team. The guide provides practical, evidence-informed recommendations to support fitness and physical activity providers in understanding how everyday environments, organisational culture, and programme design can influence mental wellbeing. It explores the ways fitness settings shape wellbeing, examines both the benefits and potential risks associated with participation in physical activity, and offers specific guidance for working with children, adolescents, and young people. Ultimately, the guide aims to help the sector create safer, more inclusive, and more responsive environments that support mental health and wellbeing for all.
The Guide is available on EuropeActive website. Go check it out!
What's Next?
Following the European launch, project partners and National Associations are organising national campaign launch events across participating countries with the aim to raising awareness, recruiting local organisers, and establishing National Associations as key contact points for the campaign.
#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.
