PHOTO // European Week of Sport 2026 opened in Chisinau with race for children, young people

More than 285 children and young people on September 19 took part in the #BeChallenged Run, the event that officially kicked off the 2026 European Week of Sport in Moldova.

Among the participants were 50 children with special needs from Rain Children. The event promoted inclusion and equal access for all children and young people to sports activities.

Participants ran on routes adapted to different age groups and fitness levels and participated in interactive activities, sports challenges and socializing sessions. The schedule also included music, recreational activities and a raffle with prizes held under the #BeActive banner.

The #BeChallenged Run is the first activity in a programme developed by CGP Moldova, with institutional support of the Education and Research Ministry (MEC)  The programme provides for the monthly organization of sports events aimed at helping build an active community of children and young people.

The European Week of Sport will continue in the coming days with sports and recreational activities organized in more localities of Moldova.

Today, in the Codrii (Forests) area of Calarasi, approximately 200 children and young people take part in #BeExplorer Orienteering, a sports orienteering and nature exploration activity, organized with the involvement of the Orienteering Federation of Moldova.

Also on September 20, #BeVital Family Fest takes place in Calarasi, an event meant for all generations. Children, parents, young people and seniors are able to participate in relays, ball games, volleyball, tug-of-war, agility and balance courses, parent-child contests and team challenges.

On September 23, at 8:15 a.m., employees of Moldova’s government will participate in #BeAwake: Moldova Starts the Day on the Move, a joint gymnastics and physical exercise session organized in front of the government building. At the same time, public institutions, authorities, universities and schools across the country will be encouraged to organize morning exercise sessions and physical activities.

On September 25, more than 10 educational institutions of Moldova will participate in European School Sport Day. Students will take part in relays, team games, group exercises, mini-competitions and age-appropriate recreational activities.

On September 26, Chișinău’s Valea Trandafirilor Park will host #BeTogether Street Sports, an event dedicated to urban sports, demonstrations and interactive activities. The schedule will include 3x3 basketball, football, badminton, boccia, roller sports and other activities, including events adapted for children and young people with special needs.

High-performance sportspeople will give demonstrations and master classes, while participants will be able to interact with them and try different sports. The event will also feature interactive zones, music, entertainers, face painting and a #BeActive flash mob.

The European Week of Sport will conclude on September 27 in Nisporeni with #BeInspired Art in Motion, an event combining sport, movement, music and art. Children and teenagers will take part in sports games, group exercises, creative activities and musical performances.

One of the event’s highlights will be the creation of a #BeActive mural, which will remain on the premises of the Nisporeni sports school.

The European Week of Sport is an initiative of the European Commission, held under the #BeActive motto, in order to promote physical activity and the adoption of an active lifestyle.