Overarching themes
Urban planning
The urban environment is seen as one of the most important factors for daily physical activity and sport. City infrastructure and facilities that promote active citizenship are central when it comes to increasing physical activity. But urban planning and construction are long-term projects with long-term perspectives. What are the best practices in urban planning, and can we wait for its results? Are there any short cuts?
Settings
Mobilizing citizens at local level is the key to success. Citizen based and citizen driven activities have their starting point in the local community. The so-called ‘Setting Approach’ calls for integrating the local settings, where the activity is performed, both in the planning and the implementation of campaigns and initiatives. How do local settings, such as clubs, schools, community centres and public administrations cooperate successfully? Where are the pitfalls and what are the good examples?
Target groups
Targeting specific population groups is essential to ensuring that all citizens have access to opportunities for physical activity and an active living. Vulnerable population groups include children and youth, older people, lower income families and ethnic minority groups, among others. How do we reach these groups in innovative ways? How can we work successfully with the multitude of cultures and religions that are present in urban communities? And how do we generate positive attention to specific population groups in comprehensive approaches to combat physical inactivity?
City profiling
In recent years there has been a surge of cities developing distinct profiles as ‘Active Cities’, ‘Healthy Cities’ and ‘Sport for All Cities’ as viable strategies for tackling problems of physical inactivity and other health and citizenship related issues in urban settings. But what does it mean to be a healthy or active city? What elements are essential for action and which barriers must be overcome in order for cities to succeed in promoting physical activity in the day-to-day life of their citizens? How can cities use labels such as “Active City” to promote healthy lifestyles and generate brand value for the city? Finally, what are the net benefits to cities and their citizens in the longer run?
Cross-cutting themes
Sport and physical activity
Health Enhancing Physical Activity has long been viewed as separate from Sport. Some have focused narrowly on walking or biking as uniquely relevant forms of health enhancing physical activity. At the same time, Sport has been viewed mostly in the light of recurring tournaments and events in standardized disciplines. The trends in urban areas however show a complex variety of activities and physical movement that transcends traditional borders. Overcoming city obstacles as in trendy Parkour is just one example of such tendencies. In which ways will the urban setting and new trends in physical movement force stakeholders to re-think their strategies? And what will be the sport and physical activity trends of the future?
Health
The health of urban populations can be negatively influenced by many factors, not least sedentary lifestyles. International and national stakeholders such as the EU, WHO and national Ministries of Health are placing more focus on promoting healthier lifestyles through physical activity. The EU “Health Strategy White Paper” and WHO “Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health” both point to health enhancing physical activity as a means to achieving healthier societies. Can cooperation between sport NGOs, municipalities and other sectors lead to improved health for urban citizens? How can individual behaviour and social associations be used in preventing sedentary lifestyles?
Citizenship
Cities around the world are facing increased individualism as well as serious challenges with respect to the social integration of immigrants, less privileged groups and social minorities in civil society activities. At the same time, the concept of citizenship is changing: Active participation in civic life takes new forms and involves new organisations and sectors. How will urban dwellers be able to contribute to truly active civil societies through physical activity and sport in the future? What is the future of voluntary engagement in citizenship activities in increasingly individualised societies? What are the new roles of city administrations and civil society organisations in challenges related to integration and social inclusion?
