World Sailing supports the IOC campaign to promote better health through sport

World Sailing supports the IOC campaign to promote better health through sport

by World Sailing Jun 22 09:06 PDT
June 23, 2023

World Sailing supports the IOC campaign to promote better health through sport © World Sailing

World Sailing is committed to supporting the International Olympic Committee’s Let’s Move campaign as part of this year’s Olympic Day, which takes place on June 23, 2023.

To promote better health through sport, the Olympic Movement will encourage and support people around the world to make time in their daily lives to exercise in any way, anywhere. The new global initiative is led by Olympians and launched in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the health benefits of regular physical activity.

Olympians like Allyson Felix, Pau Gasol, PV Sindhu and Yusra Mardini – to name just a few of the athletes involved – sent a digital invitation to schedule 30 minutes to move with them that day and participate in the Let’s Move Olympic Day digital workout ‘ to participate anywhere in the world with the aim of making this a daily habit.

Quanhai Li, President of World Sailing said: “We are proud to support the IOC’s Let’s Move campaign and the Olympic Movement as sport helps promote the benefits of regular physical activity. Sailing is a sport for life and a sport for everyone, regardless of age or ability, whether competitively or recreationally.

“World Sailing values ​​equity, inclusion and accessibility to ensure more people have access to the sport, and we encourage anyone looking to take the first steps towards a more active lifestyle to find out more about how sailing has positive long-term effects can have.” on physical and mental health.

“Even if you can’t get out on the water on Olympic Day, please take this opportunity to tell your friends and family about the health benefits of sailing.”

Research has found that one in four adults and over 80% of young people do not reach the minimum recommended activity level needed for optimal health (WHO, 2022). Not having enough time in the day is one of the most common reasons for not being able to achieve this goal. At the same time, starting with just 30 minutes of exercise per day has significant health benefits for the heart, body, and mind.

Regular physical activity can help prevent or treat certain diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. It also helps prevent high blood pressure and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. Being active also ensures healthy growth and development in young people and keeps them healthy later in life.

The calming effects of being on the water, interacting with nature and far from the distractions of modern life have been shown to lessen the effects of conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. These benefits, along with the benefits of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, help increase self-confidence, build friendships, and feel calmer and more relaxed.

IOC President Thomas Bach said: “On Olympic Day we celebrate the Olympic Movement’s mission to make the world a better place through sport. When we exercise, it keeps our mind and body strong and healthy. When we play sport, it inspires.” It motivates us to always do our best and it makes us dream, it spreads joy and it brings us together.

“This year, together with the WHO, we are emphasizing the positive effects of sport on physical and mental health. We want to inspire the world to move more every day. Sport and physical activity are inexpensive and powerful tools for healthy bodies, healthy minds and resilient communities.”

dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: “The Olympic Movement has a unique ability to harness the power of increased physical activity through sport to improve public health. Olympians are more than just athletes: they are role models for people who enjoy sports.” and the benefits of physical activity.

“The WHO-supported Let’s Move initiative brings together the power of the Olympic Games and WHO advice on physical activity to inspire and motivate people to move more for better health.”