Summary:

The #BEACTIVE DAY 2026 project is a not-for-profit European sports initiative that promotes physical activity as a powerful tool for health, aligning with the core message of the European Commission’s European Week of Sport (EWoS): encouraging more people to be more active, more often. 

Taking place around 23 September, #BEACTIVE DAY has grown from its origins in the expansion of the UK’s National Fitness Day into a highly recognisable, pan-European campaign, now mobilising National Fitness Associations and stakeholders across Europe. 

In 2026, the campaign will place a specific focus on mental health within the fitness and physical activity community, recognising both the proven benefits of physical activity for mental wellbeing and the sector’s responsibility to proactively support the mental health of its users, particularly younger generations seeking social connection. 

Led by EuropeActive and implemented in partnership with National Fitness Associations from Belgium, Greece, Latvia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Spain and Sweden, the project will deliver capacity-building activities, including a Campaign Workshop in Skopje, national Campaign Launch Events, and the production of a Mental Health Guide for gyms and campaign organisers. 

Through coordinated national campaigns, knowledge-sharing, and high-visibility dissemination activities, culminating in a final event held in combination with the Exercise for Health event at the European Parliament, #BEACTIVE DAY 2026 aims to strengthen the fitness sector’s contribution to EWoS, raise awareness around mental health, and ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of the #BEACTIVE movement.

This project is funded by the European Union.

Objectives: