On 26-27 March 2026, the #BEACTIVE DAY 2026 project consortium gathered in Skopje, North Macedonia, for its annual campaign workshop. Organised and hosted by North Macedonia Active (NMA), the two-day meeting was for the first year open to campaign organisers outside of the consortium and interested partners for a maximised impact.
The workshop focused on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and peer learning, allowing partners to share experiences from previous editions, discuss campaign implementation, and explore new approaches to maximise the impact of #BEACTIVE DAY across Europe.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Capacity
The event opened with welcoming remarks from NMA and EuropeActive, highlighting the continued growth of #BEACTIVE DAY, now entering its sixth edition. Participants were introduced to the latest campaign developments and shared updates on national initiatives and achievements.
A presentation by Josif Damjanov showcased the work of North Macedonia Active and its efforts to strengthen the fitness and wellness sector through innovation, inclusiveness, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Mental Health at the Heart of the 2026 Campaign
A key highlight of the workshop was an interactive session led by psychologist and psychotherapist Radmila Zivanovic, focusing on the 2026 campaign theme: mental health and wellbeing.
Radmila explored the growing mental health challenges faced by young people and the important role physical activity professionals can play in supporting wellbeing. Her presentation emphasised how trainers and coaches often become trusted adults in young people's lives and can help create environments that are inclusive, supportive, and psychologically safe.
The session encouraged partners to consider how fitness settings can contribute not only to physical health, but also to confidence, resilience, social connection, and overall wellbeing.
During the evening, participants visited local fitness facilities and joined a networking dinner kindly organised by NMA, creating additional opportunities for exchange and collaboration.
Peer Learning and Exchange of Good Practices
The second day was dedicated to peer learning sessions, where partners worked together to discuss how mental health can be meaningfully integrated into #BEACTIVE DAY activities, how previous campaign themes such as inclusion and sustainability can continue to be embedded, and how the campaign can reach new audiences through innovative partnerships and community engagement.
The discussions generated a range of practical ideas, from collaborations with health organisations and municipalities to workplace wellbeing initiatives and activities designed to reduce barriers to participation.
A common theme throughout the discussions was the importance of creating welcoming, low-pressure environments that encourage people of all ages and abilities to become active.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The workshop also provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation across the Balkans. Representatives from Kosovo, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the meeting to learn more about the campaign and explore opportunities for future involvement.
North Macedonia Active shared its successful experiences in delivering #BEACTIVE DAY, providing inspiration and practical guidance for organisations interested in expanding the campaign throughout the region.
Looking Ahead
The Skopje workshop marked an important step in preparing for #BEACTIVE DAY 2026. All participants declared to be very satisfied by the event and thankful for the opportunity to gather together in Skopje learning from one another and exploring the campaign's focus on mental health and wellbeing. While building the consortium capacity, the event reinforced a shared commitment to making physical activity more accessible, inclusive, and impactful across Europe.
As preparations continue throughout the year, partners will build on the knowledge and ideas exchanged in Skopje to deliver another successful edition of #BEACTIVE DAY.
