Inactivity Time Bomb Endorsements

"At ECF we work to ensure that cycling (and walking) are part of everyday travel and leisure, so we welcome every piece of evidence that sends a message to decision-makers about the impact of inactivity. This report helps show that this is a policy problem for the whole of society, we must create environments that encourage and support physical activity where people live and work."

Kevin Mayne, Development Director, European Cyclists' Federation

"Every move counts. This report emphasises the need for concrete action to get people to move in their daily life. At EPODE International Network, we change children, adolescents and families' behaviour towards a more active lifestyle for the long term. We work with local politicians to change the physical and social environment of the communities. We must act together in order to change the norm: physical activity is easy, fun and within reach!"

Jean-Michel Borys, President, EPODE

"The numbers are frightening, but the worst thing about them is that they are totally avoidable. We just need to be a bit more active. But to make this happen we need to work together to encourage everyone, especially today's kids, to be more active. There is no simple single solution. If we all take some responsibility we can make this happen. We can, and need to, improve the lives of our children by getting them into physically active habits early."

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, DBE, Laureus Academy Member

"Making reasonable time for physical activity does not only lead to several important mental benefits, but actually also helps preventing a series of mental health problems and can, most importantly, contribute to the recovery process of persons who struggle with mental ill-health."

Maria Nyman, Director, Mental Health Europe

IOC Contribution to the Round table Discussion on "Defusing the Inactivity Time Bomb" Bruxelles, 21^st April 2015, ICSA NowWeMOVE campaign

"Morbidity and mortality from non-communicable chronic disease (NCD) is a global threat and the most important preventative action is to reduce physical inactivity.

Behavioural change, including encouraging physical activity, must be facilitated in local communities through new creative approaches over a cross-section of society including policy makers, healthcare systems, schools, transport, urban planners and sports organisations.

The vision of the IOC is to contribute to building a better world through sport and it is committed to investing in and promoting sport and physical activity. The IOC redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of 3.25 million US dollars goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world. The IOC also works in partnership with other international organisations, including UNESCO, urging governments and educational planners to invest in the quantity and quality of physical education that they offer. "

"This report by ISCA and Cebr backs up our own findings. People with intellectual disabilities experience chronic health problems due to insufficient care, poor nutrition and inactive lifestyles. In virtually all countries in which Special Olympics operates, we started there because there were either no or limited options for people with intellectual disabilities to be physically active. Through sport we can empower people with and without intellectual disabilities to live healthier lives whilst being accepted and valued members of their communities. This fosters a more respectful and inclusive society for all."

Mary Davis, Regional President and Managing Director Special Olympics Europe Eurasia