By Lucy Murray

European Week of Sport has come to a close on 30 September after days of events focused on promoting active and healthy lifestyles. 

The annual initiative ran for a week from 23 September. The aim of the week is to encourage millions of people around Europe to #BeActive. The campaign creates opportunities for people to exercise more in their daily lives. 

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, encouraged everyone to participate in the events. European Week of Sport is catered to everyone, enabling people of all ages, backgrounds or fitness levels to join.

“As a Government, we are intent on working to promote life-long participation in sport and physical activity so that everyone can enjoy a healthier lifestyle,” said Minister Catherine Martin.

Highlights from the week

European Week of Sports saw several significant events occur throughout Ireland. On a local level, Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies of Sport worked together to organise events. 

Notable events on 23 September included a #BeActive Paddle Festival with Canoeing Ireland. Following this, multiple #BeActive nights occurred across cities in Ireland. 

A high point of the week was the #BeActive Festival, which took place at the Sport Ireland Campus on 24 September. This day was a celebration of sports, showcasing over 50 types of activities that attendees could participate in. The event included indoor and outdoor activities, demonstrations, sports personality appearances, taster sessions, and more.

29 September was European School Sports Day with the Irish Primary PE Association, which allowed school kids to engage with the week’s goals. 

Minister Byrne says: “Increasing participation in sport and physical activity is the cornerstone of our National Sports Policy and as a Government, our aim is to see 60% of our adult population regularly participating in sport by 2027.”

Look back on the events from the week at www.sportireland.ie/europeanweekofsport.