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Looking Back, Moving Forward: The Story of the MOVE Congress
18/07/2025
They say you shouldn’t dwell on the past… but we’re feeling just a little nostalgic. And for good reason.
As ISCA celebrates its 30th anniversary and Denmark prepares to take on the EU Presidency in 2025, we’re returning to where it all began—Copenhagen—for the 11th edition of the MOVE Congress.
To mark the occasion, we’re launching a new series: Looking Back, Moving Forward. It offers a glimpse into how selected editions of the Congress helped shape what it is today - the leading international event in the field of grassroots sport, health, and physical activity promotion.
The MOVE Congress has always been more than just a conference. It’s a platform for new ideas, unexpected partnerships and conversations that push the sector forward. Here’s how some of our past editions contributed to that legacy:
2004 – Copenhagen
The very first edition, launched as the World Congress on Sport for All, planted the seed for what would become the MOVE Congress. It was a bold call to recognise grassroots sport as a force for social change.
2009 – Copenhagen
Back in the Danish capital, the Congress took on a new identity—renamed as the MOVE Congress for the first time. This edition put the spotlight on urbanisation, launching conversations around active and healthy cities and how grassroots sport can respond to the changing realities of life in metropolitan areas.
2012 – São Paulo
The MOVE Congress crossed continents for the first time. With 480 participants, this edition explored how the concept of 'sport for all' can drive cultural and social development—putting global equity and community impact at the fore.
2014 – Rome
With the theme Open City – Active City, this edition focused on how cities can be reshaped through inclusive urban planning, healthy lifestyles, and cross-sector cooperation. Rome served as a backdrop for bold ideas on movement in the public space.
2015 – Copenhagen
Returning to Copenhagen, this edition brought together 270 delegates from 41 countries under the theme Advocate. Innovate. Fundraise.. It focused on exchanging practices, building partnerships and championing the value of physical activity through collaboration.
2017 – Birmingham, UK
Titled Human Right to MOVE, this edition tackled the barriers preventing people from being active—from socio-economic inequality to urban inaccessibility—and highlighted actionable solutions from across the globe.
Each edition has brought something new to the table. And now, as we prepare for our return to Copenhagen, we’re building on that legacy to deliver the most dynamic MOVE Congress yet.
Ready to be part of the next chapter? Join us this 29–31 October and be part of the MOVEment.
Register now at movecongress.com/register/
Find out more about MOVE Congress history at www.movecongress.com/about/
Posted on 18/07/2025 by Maria Malyshkina, ISCA