A vision to create a new way of life for all

OSTERMUNDIGEN, SWITZERLAND, OCT 24, 2012: The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) submitted a position paper to the World Health Organization (WHO) Consultation on a Global A Monitoring Framework, Indicators and Targets for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Herein the WFSGI expresses the concern that the current proposal of 150 minutes physical activity per week is insufficient to reach the goal of reducing NCD’s and the related financial, social and societal impact.

Right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

At the UN High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs in September 2011, Member States emphasized the importance “for greater measures at global, regional and national levels to prevent and control non-communicable diseases in order to contribute to the full realization of the

right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health”.

For this reason, there is an urgent need to develop a “comprehensive global monitoring framework, including a set of indicators to monitor trends and assess progress on NCDs” and a “set of voluntary global targets” until the end of 2012. This should also include the level of physical (in-)activity development in its largest form.

The WFSGI sees it as very important to develop national targets and indicators, building on guidance provided by WHO, to address the impacts of noncommunicable diseases, and to assess the progress made in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors and determinants.

However, the World Federation has strong concerns on the implementation and recognition to “Reaffirm the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health”. Taking in consideration all other comments and suggestions made by the NCD alliance in their submission, we are convinced that the proposal/goal of 150 minutes physical activity per week is insufficient to reach the goals of reducing NCD’s and the financial, social and societal impact.

Designed to move – A vision to create a new way of life for all

Based on the research of a number of organizations, including the WHO, the recommendation for daily physical activity is 6o minutes (somewhat less for younger children). Furthermore, a group of physical activity experts and supporter organizations have researched and compiled global information.

They made projections and suggested action proposals under a new umbrella for physical activity called Designed to Move. The WFSGI supoprted with combined expertise, diverse resourced and collective commitment the vision to create a new way of life for all with the following key message:

1) Human being’s are designed to move: but the opportunity and necessity to move in modern life has declined, leading to an epidemic of physical inactivity—a looming and dangerous threat to everyone’s health, well being, and quality of life.

2) There is a critical window for impact brain research shows preferences & motivations are shaped for life by about age 10.

3) Physical inactivity has reached epidemic proportions, and is increasing at an alarming rate:

If no action is taken, half of all Americans and Chinese are projected to be physically inactive, along with a third of the British and Brazilian populations by 2030. That’s about 1 billion people.

4) We’ve engineered movement out of life: as a byproduct of technology and modernization— ‘Incidental exercise’ is gone and sport and physically active play are marginalized more than ever.

5) Today’s kids are becoming fatally unfit: Today’s kids are the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents…by 5 years.

Future generations running, jumping, and kicking to reach their greatest potential

Physical activity is THE solution available and ready to be implemented into society today. All other suggestions such as salt, sugar or fat reductions will need to go through a longer period of consultations and negotiations. Therefore it will be obvious that the promotion and increase of physical

activity combined with some additional messages and actions on a healthy lifestyle would be a first contribution and clear action plan to strengthening the capacity of individuals and populations to make healthier choices and follow lifestyle patterns that foster good health.

Therefore the WFSGI calls for the two Asks:

– Create early positive experiences for children

– Integrate physical activity into everyday life

Secretary General Robbert de Kock says: „We strongly encourage to advance the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health through the introduction of policies and actions aimed at promoting healthy diets and increasing physical activity in the entire

population, including all aspects of daily living, such as giving priority to regular and intense physical education classes in schools; urban planning and re-engineering for active transport; the provision of incentives for work-site healthy-lifestyle programs; and increased availability of safe environments

in public parks and recreational spaces to encourage physical activity.”

Despite the WFSGI’s urge for action it is of high importance that the Member States agree to a comprehensive monitoring framework and measurement tool to verify the set of targets and indicators that will drive progress towards the 2025 goal of getting more people moving.

About the WFSGI

Global solutions through international teamwork – The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) was founded in 1978 and is the world authoritative body for the sports industry officially recognized by the IOC as the industry representative within the Olympic family. The WFSGI is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental association formed by sports brands, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, national federations and other sporting goods industry related businesses. The WFSGI plays a strategic role in the support and promotion of the sporting goods industry worldwide. The WFSGI promotes free and fair trade and provides platforms for the intergovernmental cooperation with regards to the International Organizations interested or affected by sports. Its aim is also to expand the cooperation on the protection of intellectual property rights and improve human rights issues related to working conditions. All this can be done through contacts with International Organizations such as the ILO, WTO, WHO, UN but also through International Sports Federations (FIFA, IAAF, FIVB, etc.) and the IOC, via the exchange of information and clearing house on issues and topics developed by WFSGI’s various committees. —- WFSGI