ESSD 2026 Takes Shape in Budapest
Held in Budapest, Hungary on 26–27 March, the first major meeting for this year’s European School Sport Day (ESSD) focused on initial preparations for the 12th edition of this ISCA-co-ordinated event. National coordinators gathered to share ideas, agree practical steps and identify challenges related to this year’s theme of integrating active travel into everyday school life. Due to take place on Friday 25 September, ESSD has now become one of the most popular physical activity initiatives in the school calendar.
Despite overwhelming evidence of its numerous benefits, recent years have seen a decline in active travel among schoolchildren. Research published by the European Journal of Public Health shows that active commuting to school, such as walking or cycling, is in decline across Europe, while more children are being driven to school instead. ESSD 2026 will aim to address this trend and help make active mobility a natural and enjoyable part of pupils’ daily routines. The 2026 theme aligns with European Mobility Week (16–22 September).
Overwhelming evidence of benefits
From its beginnings in 2015, ESSD has grown to become the largest school sport event within the European Week of Sport (EWOS), promoting not only physical activity but also social values and community spirit. In 2025 alone, over 3.7 million participants from more than 40 countries took part, with 15,600+ schools joining the movement. Its delivery depends on national coordinators, who are undoubtedly the driving force behind ESSD’s success. They take responsibility for their national events, recruit new schools, and work hard to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate.
As Réka Veress, HEPA and European Week of Sport Coordinator, noted, ESSD’s impact is reflected in growing institutional support. “ESSD has reached a crucial milestone in 2026,” Veress said. “This is the first year that EWOS Coordinating Bodies have been encouraged by the European Commission to engage with, support and include ESSD in their programmes.”
During ESSD 2026, teachers and pupils will be encouraged to incorporate more active travel into their daily routine and explore alternative methods of travelling to and from the school gates. Stay tuned for more updates including registration and the publication of the new ESSD toolkit.
Read more about European School Sport Day here.
