We know that active kids perform better in their classrooms, communities and future careers, yet today’s generation is the least active in history. Less than 30% of children receive 60 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by WHO. In Europe, one in five children is overweight or obese.
Sport and Citizenship, in partnership with Nike and FESI, brought together leading experts from academia, the sport industry and the non-profit sector, as well as policymakers to the conference “Shaping a New Active Generation” to discuss the current issue of physical inactivity and the importance of getting kids active in schools, on September 28th, (2018) at La Tricoterie, St-Gilles, (Brussels).
Representatives of the sport industry and leading NGOs and research think tanks, including Dan Burrows, Senior Director of NIKE Community Impact EMEA, Dr Richard Bailey, Head of Research of ICSSPE, Wendelin Huebner, Director of Key City Activation Berlin ADIDAS, David Blough, Director of Play International, and Ivar Oosterveld, Vice President of Footlocker Europe, presented innovative ways of getting kids active and discussed the importance of encouraging schools to integrate physical activity in the school day.
Clémence Calvin, a European silver medalist in Berlin 2018, joined delegates to share her personal story and provide additional inspiration to the members.
The participants of the conference adopted the Brussels Active Kids statement with the aim to stimulate action and prioritize investment in active schools to get kids active before, during and after school. The Statement is open to all who wish to make a difference.
“The evidence is clear. Active children do better. There should be a sustained focus on providing good quality PE and physical activity options for children before, during and after school.”
– Dr Richard Bailey, Head of Research ICSSPE
“At Nike we believe that all kids are made to play. When kids have an opportunity to play and be active, they are happier, healthier and are more likely succeed in school.”
– Dan Burrows, Sr. Director Nike Community Impact EMEA
“Physical inactivity is the leading social issue facing our industry today. Collectively we are committed to providing more and better opportunities for all children to play sport and be active.”
– Jerome Pero, Secretary General, FESI
“European Week of Sport gives us a powerful platform to promote active schools. Let’s continue to work together to drive a bigger impact.”
– Laurent Thieule, President, Sport&Citizenship
