The 3rd edition of the European Week of Sport (EWOS) with its #beactive campaign reached its official kick-off on September 23 in Tartu, Estonia, with the opening ceremony held at the Tartu Children’s Cycling Festival and the Mountain Bike Marathon. European University Sports Association (EUSA) was not only present at the official opening, but joined the celebrations with several activities.

The European Week of Sport and the #beactive campaign are an initiative by the European Commission, promoting sport & physical activity across Europe. Together with the national coordinators and partners organisations, among them also EUSA, we’re not only making Europe healthier, but we’re also strengthening the continent based on our shared values and interests.



On September 22, just before the official launch of the week, a special joint statement – Tartu Call for a Healthy Lifestyle – was signed by the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Mr Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Health & Food Safety Mr Vyzenis Andriukaitis and on behalf of the European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development Mr Phil Hogan, General Director Mr Mario Milouchev. The call vows the signatories to work on making the EU more active and healthy.



Activities in Tartu were held under the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU and together with the European Commission and other partners. EUSA is very proud to be an official partner of the #beactive campaign and that we had the opportunity to share the importance of university sport also through the official conference and seminar which was held in the days preceding the start of the European Week of Sport, also commemorating the International Day of University Sport (IDUS).



Several VIPs attended the official opening in Tartu, including the Executive Committee members EUSA, lead by the President Mr Adam Roczek. Mr Roczek not only met with the Commissioner Navracsics and opened one of the races, but also took part in the VIP cycling race himself.



During the official meeting and events in Tartu, EUSA representatives also enjoyed several #beactive activities, including the morning runs, city walking explorations, using active transport and taking part in basketball and other sports activities.



Although perhaps the most visible EUSA’s celebrations of the European Week of Sport and the International Day of University Sport were in Tartu, European University Sports Association has been active also in other part of Europe.



In Ljubljana, Slovenia, the EUSA office and volunteers took part in the Ljubljana Business Run, held on September 21 at the Tivoli Park in the capital city, home of the EUSA Office and the EUSA Institute.



Three EUSA teams were formed – a male, female and mixed team, taking part in the race and social activities prepared by the organisers. EUSA volunteers also joined the hike to Smarna gora near Ljubljana, organised by the Slovenian University Sports Association (SUSA) on September 22.



In Fuengirola, Spain, EUSA and the organisers of the European Universities Bridge and Chess Championships held a special beach sports day on September 23, inviting participants to take part in beach volleyball and other sports activities on the beach.



EUSA also encourages its members and partners to celebrate the activities and campaigns in September, and also not only engage and promote, but also advocate and systematically implement activities, especially involving students.



The official dates of the European Week of Sport are between September 23 and 30, but the #beactive philosophy and importance of physical activity are important throughout the year.



EUSA remains a committed partner, and invites you to #beactive this week, and throughout the year!

For more information, please see our project resource page and the official page at http://ec.europa.eu/sport/week/.