Gaeilge

Search gov.ie

Press release

European Week of Sport: Ministers Martin and Byrne encourage everyone to take part

As the 2023 European Week of Sport gets underway, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne, are encouraging people to try out new sports and to become more active.

Minister Catherine Martin said:

“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. We are committed to a Sport for All approach aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to partake equally in sport and physical activity with an emphasis on accessibility, diversity and inclusion. Events will be taking place all around the country this week, providing an opportunity for people to participate in sport and be active. European Week of Sport is a chance for people to engage in sport and hopefully to continue to lead more actives lives into the future.”

Minister Byrne said:

“This week will see numerous events taking place all around the country and is a great opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to try out new sports and activities and to experience the many benefits of being active. 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. I am encouraging everyone to join together, with our European neighbours, by participating in the events in their area this week and to find a sport or activity that they enjoy and that can help them to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.”

European Week of Sport takes place from 23-30 September and is an annual initiative aimed at promoting more active and healthier lifestyles for millions of people in Europe and beyond.

European Week of Sport is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. With a focus on grassroots initiatives, the aim is to inspire Europeans to #BeActive on a regular basis and create opportunities in peoples’ everyday lives to exercise more.

This week is about providing opportunities for people in Ireland to #BeActive and to try something new. As well as a number of flagship events, local events will be happening all around the country organised by Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies of Sport. A full list of events can be found at www.sportireland.ie/europeanweekofsport.

A highlight of the week will be the #BeActive Festival which takes place at the Sport Ireland Campus on Sunday 24 September showcasing over 50 different sports and activities that people can take part in on the day. The #BeActive Festival will include indoor and outdoor activations filled with demonstrations, sports personality appearances, taster sessions, a skillzone, trophy zone, food village, music and much more.

Notes

The European Week of Sport initiative encourages European citizens to "#BeActive", not only during the Week, but to stay fit all year long.

This European Commission-led initiative involves close collaboration with the national coordinators and many different partners who are firmly committed to supporting its goals. Sport Ireland is the National Co-ordinating Body for European Week of Sport in Ireland and it has provided funding to multiple flagship events as well as local events run by Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies.

Flagship events during European Week of Sport

Saturday 23 September

  • Canoeing Ireland - #BeActive Paddle Festival (nationwide)
  • #BeActive Nights across 7 ‘Active Cities’ – DLR, South Dub Dublin City, Fingal, Cork, Limerick & Waterford

Sunday 24 September

  • Sport Ireland Campus #BeActive Festival
  • Mountaineering Ireland – National Walking Day

Friday 29 September

  • Irish Primary PE Association – European School Sports Day

Part of

Policies