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IOC and WHO Launch Global Appeal to combat Sedentary Lifestyles
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Teh International Olympic Committee and the World Health Organization are calling on people worldwide to rediscover the benefits of collective movement to combat inactivity.
Marking Olympic Day, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have jointly launched a global appeal, “Let’s Move.” This initiative encourages people across the globe to experience the joy and advantages of moving together.
Reintroduced within the framework of the Olympism365 strategy, which was originally conceived in 1894, “Let’s Move” aims to address the growing concern of sedentary lifestyles. According to 2024 WHO data, a meaningful portion of the global population is not active enough. Specifically, one in three adults and 81% of young people do not engage in sufficient physical activity to maintain good health. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-general of the WHO, stated, “The inactivity shortens the lives and weighs on health systems, while the isolation threatens mental well -being.”
Globally, 1 in 4 adults are at risk of disease from not doing enough physical activity.
Regular physical activity 🤼♀️🧘♂️🚵♀️🏌️♀️🤸♀️🏊♂️⛹️♂️🏋️♀️🤽♂️💃has significant benefits for health.
Let’s #BeActive! pic.twitter.com/5QlenHiTqx– World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) October 22,2018
Turkey,set to host the European Games in 2027,faces similar challenges.According to the Turkish Olympic Committee, 61% of the population is overweight, a third are obese, and 40% of adults are wholly inactive.
A Simple Invitation to Move Together
The “Let’s Move” initiative proposes a straightforward and inclusive approach for June 23: find a “+1” – a freind, colleague, or neighbor – to participate in physical activity together, whether it’s walking, running, dancing, or jumping. Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, encourages everyone to transform sports into a shared experience, stating, “Sport unites and strengthens communities.”
Sport unites and strengthens communities
Echoing this sentiment,Kirsty Coventry,the new president of the Athletes commission,noted that “The push of a partner on the days is frequently enough stronger than any medal.”
Global Support for “Let’s Move”
Over 150 national committees, federations, and organizing committees are supporting “let’s Move” through digital challenges, local events, and social programs. Samsung is encouraging Android users to walk 260,000 steps by July 21, while TCL is launching a social choreography initiative spanning Los Angeles and Milan. In China and India, numerous free programs are being introduced to promote physical activity among partners.
The overarching goal is to reduce sedentary lifestyles by 15% by 2030, aligning with the WHO’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity. The true impact of this olympic Day initiative extends beyond June 23, fostering a continuous journey towards a more active and healthier world, one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a sedentary lifestyle?
- A sedentary lifestyle involves prolonged periods of sitting or lying down with minimal physical activity, such as watching TV or working at a desk.
- Why is physical activity important?
- Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall well-being.
- What is the “Let’s Move” initiative?
- The “let’s Move” initiative is a global appeal by the IOC and WHO to encourage people to rediscover the joy and benefits of collective movement to combat inactivity.
- How can I participate in “let’s Move”?
- You can participate by finding a friend, colleague, or neighbor to engage in physical activity together, such as walking, running, dancing, or jumping.
- What is the goal of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity?
- The goal is to reduce sedentary lifestyles by 15% by 2030 through various initiatives and programs promoting physical activity worldwide.
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