WFSGI launches physical activity impact report

The global sporting goods industry has launched the first-ever Sporting Goods Physical Activity Impact Report at an exclusive World Health Assembly side-event hosted by WFSGI in Geneva. 

The report draws attention to the escalating global physical inactivity crisis and the urgent need for increased cross-sector collaboration. Initiatives undertaken by members of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) to address physical inactivity across the globe, are also highlighted. 

The event, hosted by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) welcomed members adidas, Arena, ASICS, Decathlon, Nike, On, Puma, Speedo, Specialized and Shimano, alongside leaders from the World Health Organisation, the International Olympic Committee, Business at OECD (BIAC), the World Economic Forum, and global Ministers of Health to launch the first-ever Sporting Goods Physical Activity Impact Report: Moving the World Toward an Active Future. 

Introducing the report, WFSGI CEO Emma Zwiebler, issued a call to action for increased cross-sector collaboration explaining, “This is not just a health issue — it’s an economic, social and environmental imperative.” 

The report underscores the urgent need to address physical inactivity — a crisis affecting over 1.8 billion adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. With inactivity levels projected to rise to 35% by 2030, the economic toll is expected to surpass $300 billion annually. 

“As an industry with global reach and cultural influence, we are demonstrating how we’re removing barriers to physical activity and creating scalable, cross-sector solutions,” explains Emma Zwiebler. “This report highlights the breadth of actions our industry is taking to help empower and inspire people to live more active lives and the power of collaboration over competition amongst our member brands.” 

Key highlights in the report include: 

• The sporting goods industry’s role in improving public health through inspiring campaigns, community programs, and innovative and inclusive products. ● Case studies from WFSGI member brands tackling access barriers for youth, women, and underserved communities. 
• Cross-sector partnership models to move the inactive, create safe and positive experiences and shift the story. 
• The need for urgent action and increased collaboration across the sporting goods industry along with deeper engagement with governments and public sector organisations, to address the rise of global physical inactivity. 

Speaking at the launch, former England men’s football manager and player, Sir Gareth Southgate, shared the key role of coaches in supporting young people to stay in sport: “Coaches have a huge role to play in keeping kids and youth engaged, offering them safe spaces and positive experiences. I view their job as both a responsibility and an outstanding privilege, not least because it can make or break positive habits for life, something which is highlighted in this industry-first impact report.” 

Some of the initiatives showcased in ‘Moving the World Towards an Active Future’ include: 

• adidas Breaking Barriers Academy: Empowering young women through local mentorship and leadership in sport. 
• Arena Modest Swimwear Collection: Catering to women from all cultural backgrounds encouraging new audiences to take up swimming. 
• ASICS Desk Break: The Global State of Mind study found a clear link between sedentary behaviour and mental well being resulting in a Public Service Announcement encouraging office workers to take regular movement breaks. 
• Decathlon Adaptive Sportswear: Products specifically designed for people with reduced mobility or permanent disabilities. 
• Nike Body Confident Sport: A partnership with Dove creating coaching tools aimed to boost body confidence amongst 11–17-year-old girls. 
• On x KLABU: A Partnership in Motion: Supporting refugees through sport by building sustainable sports clubhouses in refugee camps. 
• Puma Let There Be Sport: Promoting sport in India to ensure it is seen as essential and not extracurricular. 
• ShimanoTürkiye Cycling Initiatives: Promoting cycling towards women and children through training and the provision of bicycles. 
• Speedo’s Swim United Campaign: Ensuring every child has equal access to swimming, a life-saving skill. 
• Specialized Outride: A non-profit that provides research, school programmes, grants, and resources to underserved communities, reaching 50,000 young people every year. 

This event celebrates the progress made since the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between WFSGI and the World Health Organisation, aimed at providing a framework of collaboration to improve global health through increased physical activity and sports participation and marks a new era of cross-sector collaboration in tackling systemic health and societal challenges through the power of movement.

You can find the WFSGI Physical Activity Impact Report online.