The It’s Great Out There Coalition (IGOT) joined European sport leaders in Dublin for the opening of the 2026 European Week of Sport, bringing together policymakers, sporting organisations and community leaders around a shared ambition to get more people active.
With thousands of activities taking place across 42 countries, this year’s campaign reinforced an important message. Physical activity should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.
But beyond the celebrations, the discussions in Dublin raised an important question. How do we turn that ambition into lasting action?
Participation starts with inclusion
Speaking at the event, Georg Häusler, Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport at the European Commission, highlighted this year’s campaign message, “Be Active Your Way.”
His remarks emphasised that physical activity doesn’t have to mean competitive sport. Small changes, from walking to the shops to taking the stairs, can help people build movement into everyday life.
For many Europeans, however, participation isn’t simply a matter of motivation. Financial circumstances, accessibility, transport and the availability of suitable activities can all influence whether someone has the opportunity to get active.
Encouraging participation means recognising these barriers and creating practical ways to overcome them.
From national investment to local impact
Ireland’s approach to sport provided an important example of how national investment and local delivery can work together.
Ireland’s Minister of State for Sport emphasised the importance of continued investment in sporting infrastructure, participation programmes and policies that encourage active lifestyles.
The discussions highlighted the need to balance investment in high-performance sport with opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate within their own communities.
Dr Una May of Sport Ireland reinforced the importance of collaboration between national governing bodies, local sports partnerships and community organisations.
She highlighted how Ireland’s interconnected sporting network helps connect national resources with local opportunities, bringing together schools, clubs, community groups and sporting organisations.
With more than 600 activities planned across Ireland during European Week of Sport, the programme demonstrated how this collaboration can translate into opportunities for people to discover new activities.
The message was clear. National ambition needs strong local partnerships to reach the people it is intended to benefit.
Turning ambition into action
For IGOT, these conversations reinforce the importance of grassroots organisations in making outdoor activity accessible.
Across Europe, local projects are creating opportunities for people who might otherwise face barriers to participation. They understand their communities, recognise the challenges people face and create experiences that help build confidence, connection and a lasting relationship with the outdoors.
Through our Outdoor Activity Days, IGOT supports this grassroots approach, helping more people experience the physical, mental and social benefits of spending time outdoors.
The European Week of Sport provides an important platform for raising awareness and encouraging participation. But creating lasting change requires sustained collaboration between policymakers, the outdoor industry and the organisations delivering activities on the ground.
Because getting Europe active outdoors isn’t just about inspiring people to participate. It’s about making participation possible.
Find out how you can support our mission by contacting us today: info@itsgreatoutthere.com