Ireland has officially opened the European Week of Sport 2026, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to become more physically active. The launch took place on 23 September at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin during Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD and Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD hosted the ceremony at the National Indoor Arena. The event was organised in cooperation with the European Commission and Sport Ireland.
European Week of Sport launches at Sport Ireland Campus
The opening brought together more than 100 participants, including 70 European delegates from 24 countries. Representatives from major sporting bodies attended, including UEFA, FIFA, the European Olympic Committees EU Office, the European Paralympic Committee, European Aquatics, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and other international organisations.
Speakers included both Irish ministers, Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May, European Commission Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport Georg Häusler, and European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, who contributed by video message.
Delegates also participated in sporting activities across the campus. Public demonstrations featured local schoolchildren, older adults and high-performance athletes from Badminton Ireland, highlighting the broad range of people who can benefit from regular exercise.
Promoting participation across Ireland and Europe
The European Week of Sport forms part of the European Commission’s #BeActive initiative. It aims to help people discover new activities, access sporting opportunities and make movement part of everyday life.
Minister O’Donovan described physical activity as an important part of a healthy and positive lifestyle. He encouraged people to take part in events being held across Ireland and Europe throughout the week.
Minister McConalogue said the launch offered an opportunity to showcase the facilities developed at the Sport Ireland Campus, emphasising that the site is open to everyone.
Why the #BeActive campaign matters
The programme focuses on inclusion and participation rather than elite performance alone. Activities involving schools, older people, community groups, athletes and people with disabilities demonstrate how sport can support wellbeing, social connection and active ageing.
- Try a new sport or recreational activity.
- Take part in local community or school events.
- Use accessible public facilities for regular exercise.
- Encourage family members and friends to become more active.
Sport Ireland is central to delivering Ireland’s national sporting strategy, while the wider European campaign connects local participation with a shared continental effort.
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European Commission Director Georg Häusler said the European Week of Sport brings people together in 40 countries, giving them opportunities to try new activities and be active in ways that suit them. He also welcomed the decision to celebrate the launch in Dublin during Ireland’s EU Presidency.
The week’s central message is clear: sport and physical activity should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience or ability. Communities across Ireland can use the campaign as a starting point for healthier routines and greater participation.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
