ICSSPE joins PACTE+ Workshop Conference to Promote Active Cities Across Europe

ICSSPE participated in the recent PACTE+ Workshop Conference, hosted by the Committee of the Regions on the 3rd of March in Brussels. The event brought together project partners, political representatives, and experts in sports, health, urban planning, and public policy to discuss strategies for promoting physical activity in European cities.

As a key partner in the PACTE+ (Promoting Active Cities Through Europe) project, ICSSPE contributed to discussions on how municipalities can implement sustainable, long-term policies to enhance physical activity opportunities for all citizens.

One of the highlights of the event was the introduction of the "Matrix for Change", a strategic tool designed to help cities develop and implement active city policies. Through interactive workshops, participants, including ICSSPE representatives, tested and refined the tool, providing valuable feedback to strengthen its effectiveness.

The event also emphasized the importance of strengthening the European network of active cities. Representatives from cities such as Graz, Limerick, Angers, and Fredrikstad shared their experiences, highlighting successes and challenges in making their communities more active. The exchange of best practices and innovative approaches reinforced the value of collaboration in creating healthier, more physically active urban spaces.

During a roundtable discussion featuring representatives from Eurocities, speakers stressed the need for political leadership to prioritize physical activity within local policies. They highlighted successful case studies of cities integrating multi-sectoral strategies to encourage active lifestyles.

"An active city is not just about providing infrastructure—it’s about embedding physical activity into everyday life through policies, programs, and partnerships," emphasized a panelist. "Political commitment is key to ensuring these initiatives are sustainable and impactful."

As a global advocate for sport science and physical education, ICSSPE remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive policy change and encourage physical activity at all levels of society. Our participation in the PACTE+ project aligns with our mission to promote evidence-based approaches that improve public health and well-being through sport and physical activity.

To know more about this event, you can read the full PACTE+ article here: PACTE+ : A Day to Promote Active Cities and Health in Europe - Pacte Project