Rotterdam Becomes the First Global Active City in the Netherlands

Rotterdam has become the first city in the Netherlands to earn the Global Active City certification, joining a growing international network of cities that put physical activity at the heart of urban life. The certification was presented on 29 September 2026, with TAFISA Vice President Europe Jacqueline Kronenburg joining Evaleo in presenting the certificate to the city.

The Global Active City programme recognises cities that make sport, physical activity and healthy living part of everyday life for all residents. Rotterdam's certification reflects years of work by the municipality, its residents and a broad network of partners. It also marks an important step for the Active City movement that TAFISA has championed worldwide: active cities make their residents healthier and happier.

TAFISA Vice President Europe Jacqueline Kronenburg was present for the certification ceremony and, together with Evaleo, officially presented the Global Active City certificate to Rotterdam, recognising the city's commitment to creating an environment that supports active and healthy lifestyles for all.

 

Rotterdam treats physical activity as a cornerstone of a healthy, inclusive and attractive city. Residents can be active in their neighbourhoods, at school, at work and in their free time.

The city's approach combines several strands:

• Places to move: Cruyff Courts, playgrounds, sports facilities and public spaces designed for walking, cycling, play and sport.
• Active schools: school-based physical activity programmes that bring movement into the school day.
• People on the ground: neighbourhood sports coaches who connect residents with local opportunities.
• Strong partnerships: sports clubs, schools, healthcare providers, community organisations and businesses working together to make sport accessible to as many residents as possible.
• Inspiring events: the Rotterdam Marathon and the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships raise the profile of sport and motivate people to get moving.

Alderman Jeroen Postma (Youth, Education and Sport) said: "This recognition belongs to all of us. It belongs to the sports clubs that support their members week after week, the schools that incorporate physical activity throughout the school day, the community organisations working across our neighbourhoods, and all Rotterdammers who choose to be active every day. Together, we are making Rotterdam stronger, healthier and more vibrant."

The Global Active City label is awarded by the Active Well-being Initiative (AWI), founded by TAFISA and Evaleo and supported by the International Olympic Committee. It recognises cities that have implemented a Physical Activity and Sport for All management system and succeeded in increasing participation. The model brings together policy-makers in health, sport, education and social development, with the well-being of citizens as the central goal.

The benefits reach well beyond sport. Active cities help tackle inactivity and non-communicable diseases, support mental health and social inclusion, encourage more sustainable transport, and help major sporting events leave a lasting legacy of more active citizens. Certified cities also set performance indicators, so progress can be measured and shared with partners and the public.

Rotterdam meets that standard. Its success shows that an active city is not a matter of chance but the result of sustained collaboration between residents, sports clubs, schools, community organisations, businesses and the municipality.

For Rotterdam, the certification is both a milestone and a starting point. The city has committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, background or physical ability, can access sport and physical activity close to home.

TAFISA congratulates Rotterdam on this achievement and welcomes the first Dutch city into the Global Active City family. We look forward to seeing Rotterdam share its experience with cities around the world and inspire more communities to become active, healthy and connected places to live.