With just one month to go, Ireland is gearing up to mark #BeActive Day 2025 on Tuesday, September 23rd, as part of the wider European Week of Sport.
The initiative encourages schools, clubs, workplaces, and community groups nationwide to host physical activity events that promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
Focus on Preventing Chronic Disease
This year’s theme centres on the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases through Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA).
The campaign aims to empower communities to take simple, meaningful steps toward better health by moving in ways that suit their needs and abilities.
Sport and Health are moving ever closer in a positive way, as we highlighted in a feature last week on Sport for Business.
Read More: Sport’s Vital Role in Preventive Healthcare
Ireland Active member facilities will be at the heart of the day, with activities ranging from Aqua Aerobics and Pilates to Fitness for Life programmes and swimming classes.
Many gyms, leisure centres, and pools will also open their doors to non-members, offering open gym sessions, inductions, bring-a-friend initiatives, competitions, and special offers.
“Preventing and managing non-communicable diseases must be at the heart of Ireland’s health policy, and Health-Enhancing Physical Activity is one of the most effective tools we have,” said Karl Dunne, CEO of Ireland Active.
“Gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, and community facilities play a vital role in making activity accessible to all, providing safe and supportive environments where people can take simple, meaningful steps to improve their health.”
“Prioritising prevention through physical activity will not only reduce the burden of chronic disease but also strengthen communities and deliver long-term savings for our health system,”
Health Partnerships
This year’s campaign is supported by the Irish Heart Foundation and the Marie Keating Foundation, underlining the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of chronic conditions including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
“The Irish Heart Foundation is proud to partner and support this important initiative by Ireland Active, which highlights the vital role of physical activity in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death in Ireland, claiming over 9,000 lives each year,” said Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Information and Training with the Irish Heart Foundation.
“Despite its proven benefits, four in five adults and three in four young people in Ireland do not get enough daily movement to support good heart health.”
“This year, Ireland Active’s campaign shines a spotlight on the power of movement in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. By encouraging people to be active through Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) in ways that suit their abilities and lifestyles, this initiative empowers individuals and communities to take simple, meaningful steps toward healthier lives.”
“As an organisation committed to promoting heart health nationwide, we are proud to champion efforts that inspire lasting, positive change through physical activity,”
Cancer Prevention Message
Speaking on the role of activity in cancer prevention, Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation, added:
“You can cut your risk of cancer by 30–50% by making changes to your daily routine. It is estimated that we can help prevent four out of ten cancers by focusing on modifiable lifestyle factors such as being physically active.”
“We are proud to be partnering with Ireland Active for #BeActive Day 2025, helping to promote the importance of being active to improve your health, mentally and physically. Keeping your body fit and physically active is also an essential step in helping to reduce your risk of cancer.”
“By doing just 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, you can help to reduce your risk of colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and post-menopausal breast cancer.”
“Physical activity also supports maintaining a healthy weight, reduces stress, and helps those recovering from or living with cancer. Exercise can be done anywhere, and being in nature has huge positive benefits. Its benefits are for everyone in every way.”
“So, get moving however you can, be it walking, hiking, swimming, dancing, resistance training, or any other way you can move your body safely and stay active. Let’s embrace this national movement to get moving.”
Growing Participation
In 2024, more than 588,000 people across Europe took part in #BeActive events. The goal for 2025 is to build on that momentum, growing participation and further embedding physical activity as a cornerstone of public health.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS AUTUMN EVENTS
On Wednesday, September 10th, we will host a special event looking at Future Proofing Irish Sport, including the use of AI in sport. Then on September 25th we will host our Annual Children in Sport Conference, on October 14th, our Annual Sport for Social Good Event, in November a new event focused on Sustainability in Sport and in December our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference, in partnership with Lidl.
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