Official start for the European Week of Sport in Espoo

For the fifth consequent year, the European Week of Sport organizes thousands of sport events all around Europe.

With the purpose of bringing Europeans closer to physical activity and to spread awareness about the benefits of sports, the initiative of the European Commission has been meeting increasing success. More than 12 million citizens participated in more than 7000 sport events under the framework of the European Week of Sport in 2018 and according to the estimations, this number will reach even higher levels in 2019.

The kick-off took place in Espoo, Finland on September 23, with the presence of representatives from 47 partner associations in 42 countries.

Tibor Navracsics, in his last year of his mandate as a Commissioner of Sport, Culture and Youth said: “I am pleased to open the 2019 European Week of Sport in Finland, the European country with the highest rate of people exercising or playing sport regularly. Sport and physical activity are not only essential for our personal health and well-being, but for society as a whole. Sport is a major tool for inclusion and helps us overcome division and conflict and build strong communities.”

ACES Europe is an official partner of the European Commission for the organization of this initiative. On top of that, awarded sport cities 2019 host #BeActive events with the support of the European Commission.