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?
