The European Commission Promoted Sport And Physical Activity With The #BeActive Panel

The European Commission marked the European Week of Sport with a panel organised by the EU Infopoint in partnership with PeacePlayers International Cyprus and Turkish Cypriot Diabetes Association on 28 September at Major Conference Hall, Nicosia. The aim of the panel was to generate discussion amongst all stakeholders about how sport can improve health, and social inclusion. After the opening speeches by Mr.Alessandro Bianciardi and Mr.Sertaç Bozatlı, the importance of sport, health and social inclusion along with the EU policy and examples from other EU countries were presented at the event by Zafer Günal, Beyzade Ünalmış, Caner Arca and Süreyya Çelmen Değer. Peaceplayers International Cyprus and Turkish Cypriot Diabetes Assosciation are currently implementing the EU funded “Promoting Peace And Wellness In Cyprus” Project and have been working to promote the health and social inclusion benefits of sport. PeacePlayers International Cyprus and Cyprus Turkish Diabetes Association are running Promoting Peace and Wellness In Cyprus Project funded by the EU since July 2014. The project reached more than 300 children along with their families with the aim of improving relations between the two communities and promoting a healthier lifestyle. By using basketball as a tool, the children enjoyed becoming friends and being active through several leadership retreats, twinnings and summer camps to provide opportunities for challenging steorotypes. The project also managed to conduct several nutrition trainings both for the children and their parents in order to raise awareness about healthy nutrition. The participants reported afterwards that they have changed their eating habits as a result.

The European Week of Sport aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. The Week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. With a focus on grassroots initiatives, it inspires Europeans to be active on a regular basis and creates opportunities in peoples’ everyday lives to exercise more. Running from 7-13 September, the week and its simple message, that sports makes for a healthy, happy and inclusive society, is celebrated with events and activities across Europe.