ABOUT BG Be active association

"BG Be Active is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that is committed to the well-being and societal change in Bulgaria. Created back in 2011 with the purpose of increasing the popularity of the sport and physical activity among Bulgarians, the organization evolved to implementing community interventions and capacitating their members in terms of entrepreneurship, participation, and sustainability.

BG Be Active is a national organization working within the field of promoting Health Enhancing PhysicalActivity (HEPA). We understand the value of physical activity for health and promote the benefits of regular exercise and recreational activities in Bulgarian communities. Ever since 2012 the organisation has been coordinating the international NowWeMOVE campaign in Bulgaria with its flagship initiatives – NoElevatorsDay, MOVEWeek, European School Sports Day and Open Streets Day.

Ever since 2017 BG Be Active has been also at the forefront of the placemaking movement in Bulgaria. Based on active citizens’ involvement, our association for three consecutive years has coordinated renovation of 30 urban spaces over Bulgaria to create opportunities for people to be active, built the capacities of local partners to sustain urban areas, and disseminated good national placemaking practices on the international level. The successful application of placemaking methodology for the past years has prompted BG Be Active to found a placemaking movement – The Spot combining organizations from different locations in Bulgaria."

The Vision of BG Be active association

"Implementation of activities to stimulate the development and increase the quality of mass sports in Bulgaria. Promotion of sports and physical activity to improve the health of the population of Bulgaria. Formation of active societies. Creating conditions for people to lead an active lifestyle and at the same time to be responsible citizens. Not only promoting the benefits of physical activity for health and society, but also, together with local communities, changing the environment in a way that promotes sports and movement. Sharing successful practices and experience from international networks and encouraging the implementation of local innovative ideas through which physical and social activity to become an integral part of everyday life of Bulgarians. Development of public spaces. Building safe and healthy places in the settlements and in the nature, to which all citizens have access. Organizing urban (placemaking, tactical urbanism) interventions and together with local communities developing a culture to create and maintain a clean, functional and modern environment.

Creating partnerships between citizens and institutions through which to achieve sustainable results in changing public spaces. Activation of citizens. Involving people in activities and demonstrating that it is not so difficult to be active. Encourage access to physical activity programs and promote movement at home, outdoors, in the office, in schools and kindergartens. Creating various opportunities for participation and training in various actions and events. Formation of active systems Implementation of large-scale and long-term projects to promote the development of local leaders by regions and multi-sectoral partnerships between institutions, companies, and civil society organizations. Creating sustainable forms for expressing active citizenship and jointly finding innovative solutions to the problems of local communities.

Development and implementation of programs and projects for widespread promotion of a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and sports."

The Mission of BG Be active association

"We create and maintain a network of organizations from all sectors, who work to increase the physical the activity of Bulgarians and promote active citizenship.

We make massive awareness campaigns for the benefits of physical activity for the wider audience.

We share theoretical and practical experience, introducing global best practices, organising seminars, conferences and training for our partners, as well as other interested parties.

We initiate, coordinate and conduct national sport events for wider audience, as to motivate Bulgarian citizens (regardless of their age, gender, income and ethnicity) to find their move.

We work to increase the active physical experience for children and youngsters.

We want to create conditions in smaller towns for sport and physical activities, by creating and installing training equipment and educating sport animators.

We facilitate behavioural change in Bulgaria."