Credit: INAPS
On Monday 12 October 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Sport and the National Institute of Physical Activity and Sport (INAPS) reported on a recent symposium entitled "Physical Activity, More Than Sport? Sport, More Than Physical Activity?", which took place in Mersch last weekend.
Taking place on Saturday 10 October 2026, the event brought together professionals from the education, sport, health and socio-educational sectors to explore the role of movement in children's development.
According to the ministry, the event aimed to encourage greater physical activity among children and young people, particularly in response to increasingly sedentary lifestyles and screen use.
The symposium was jointly organised by Elisabeth Enfance, the Technical Secondary School for Educational and Social Professions (LTPES), the INAPS, the League of Sports Associations in Primary Education (LASEP), the Health Directorate (DISA) and the National Education Training Institute (IFEN).
Luxembourg’s Minister for Sport Martine Hansen attended the event and emphasised the importance of movement in the development of children and young people: “As someone who firmly believes in sport, I know how much physical activity contributes to well-being, self-confidence and personal development. For children, movement is much more than a matter of sport or health: it helps them learn, discover their abilities, develop relationships with others and find their balance. In a society increasingly characterised by sedentary lifestyles and screens, it is essential to offer young people genuine opportunities to be active every day. Our ambition is not to turn every child into a champion, but to give them the enjoyment, confidence and skills that will enable them to remain active throughout their lives.”
The ministry further explained that the 2026 edition focused on integrating thinking, emotions and lived experiences into movement, exploring the connections between physical activity, cognition and socio-emotional development. The various presentations highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to the development of children and young people.
Professor Dr Rolf Schwarz delivered the opening lecture on the theme “Thinking, Feeling and Experiencing Movement: Why Movement Contributes to Brain Development”.
The programme also featured fifteen practical workshops led by national and international experts. Held in indoor and outdoor settings, the sessions introduced participants to approaches combining motor, cognitive and socio-emotional development while encouraging exchanges between professionals.
The symposium formed part of IFEN's continuing professional development programme and counted towards mandatory continuing training requirements in the non-formal education sector.
