2020 European Week of Sport meets the #BeActive challenge

From 23-30 September, the sixth annual European Week of Sport rose above the constraints of Covid-19, showcasing inspiring and innovative examples of sport. From the opening ceremony in Frankfurt to the #BeActive Night, people were able to take part in a rich programme of online and in-person activities from across the EU and beyond.

As EU Sports Commissioner Mariya Gabriel noted in her opening night speech, the 2020 European Week of Sport was very different this year due to the pandemic. ‘However, sport teaches us to be resilient, to be flexible, and not to give up, but to consider the challenge as an opportunity,’ she said. ’People have shown great creativity in exercising and developing fitness routines during confinement. We have to build on this and pursue our efforts to motivate Europeans to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.’

The Week of Sport - Online!

The online campaign was extremely successful. Over nine million people were reached via Facebook and Instagram, with many more viewing Week of Sport videos, feeds and articles via Twitter. Millions of people across the globe tuned in to events, workshops and activities. Despite the coronavirus restrictions, people continued to find new ways to #BeActive.  The highlight of the week was once again #BeActive Night, held simultaneously in all European countries on September 26. The Night included #BeActive Hour – whereworkout sessions were streamed across Europe. #BeActive Ambassadors were also crucial to the overall effort to encourage people to do sport not only during the Week but all year long.

Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said the momentum for sport should continue to grows. ‘The #BeActive and #BeActiveAtHome campaigns are inspiring examples of how even in Covid-19 conditions, with creativity and innovation, we can continue to promote physical activity’. The power of sport still vibrates across the continent despite the hardships we have been through this year.’