Global Experts Share What Works

In a webinar hosted by the ISPAH Capacity Building Committee, global experts came together to discuss how to get more people moving. The webinar was facilitated by ISPAH Board members Professor Mark Stoutenberg (Durham University) and Dr Jessica Bourne (University of British Columbia). 

This event was the first in a four-part series focused on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA), which aims to increase physical activity levels globally by 2030 by creating  an active society (social norms and attitudes), active environments (spaces and places), active people (programmes and opportunities) and active systems (governance and policy enablers) 

This webinar focused on “Active People – programmes and opportunities,” highlighting real-world initiatives that work across different countries, cultures and populations. Here are the key highlights from our expert panel: 

1. Canada: The Power of Social Connection 

Professor Heather McKay (University of British Columbia) introduced “اختر الانتقال“, a community-based physical activity.

• Who it supports: Older adults who are currently less active. 
• Key insight: Physical activity alone is not enough. Social connection is central to success. Participants support each other in group meetings, which reduces loneliness and helps facilitate staying active over the long-term. 
• Impact at scale: Since 2015, the program has reached over 12,000 older adults and trained 400 coaches across British Columbia. 
• Learn more: اختر الانتقال 

2. India: Making Fitness a National Movement

Professor Shifalika Goenka (Centre for Chronic Disease Control, India) shared how physical activity is being promoted across a population of 1.4 billion people, spanning more than 1,500 languages. 

• Fit India Movement: Launched in 2019, this government-led initiative promotes physical activity as easy, fun and free through national campaigns reaching schools, universities and villages, including use of a star-rating system for schools and a citizen-led national platform. 
• “Kelo India” (India Plays): This program focuses on rebuilding a national sports culture, with particular emphasis on women and young people.  
• “Rahigiri”: This is the Indian version of “Open Streets,” where roads are closed to cars on Sundays, creating safe spaces for walking, dancing, playing and exercising together. This creates a lively community atmosphere that encourages movement. 
• Learn more: Fit India   

3. Global Inclusion: Sport for Everyone 

Melissa Otterbein, Director at Special Olympics International, highlighted the importance of including people with intellectual disabilities – an estimated 200 million people worldwide.  

• Inclusive environments: Special Olympics provides year-round sports training for more than 4.2 million athletes globally. 
• Reaching the least active: Programs prioritise groups often excluded from physical activity, including refugee populations, girls and Indigenous communities, and using physical activity as a tool for health education. 
• Whole-of-school approach: Initiatives such as Unified Physical Education bring students with and without disabilities together, building social connection through sport. 
• Learn more: Special Olympics Resources  

Key Takeaways: What Makes Programs Work Globally?

Across all regions, the experts agreed on three essential principles:   

• Partnerships are key: No organisation can do this alone. Success depends on strong ties between local communities, governments, and private organisations. 
• Creative funding models: Funding varies everywhere. Some programs use government grants, while others rely on corporate social responsibility or volunteer-led models to keep costs low. 
• Balance evidence and action: While research is important, action cannot wait. Experts recommend a mixed approach: start with what works, then evaluate and adapt the program as you go.   

Authors:

Dr Louise Pearce | Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Australia

Dr Thania Mara Faria | Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil

On behalf of the ISPAH Capacity Building Committee