GENEVA, November 6, 2026: Eighty-four sporting goods companies and sports federations have joined forces to encourage young people around the world to become more physically active following new World Health Organization (WHO) findings showing that 86% of adolescents are not meeting recommended physical activity levels.
The initiative is being coordinated by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), which has brought together major international brands, manufacturers, retailers and sports associations through an open letter calling for collective action to address youth inactivity.
The signatories include major companies such as Adidas, ASICS, Decathlon, New Balance, Nike and Bauer.
WHO Report Highlights Growing Concern Over Youth Inactivity
According to the latest WHO estimates, approximately 240 million young people aged 11 to 17 report having no physically active days during a typical week.
The findings are based on 389 population-based surveys conducted across 140 countries and territories, involving more than 3.2 million adolescents.
The report also highlights a significant gender gap, with girls being less physically active than boys across every region of the world.
Around 28% of girls reported no active days during a typical week, compared with 22% of boys.
Physical inactivity is considered a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
84 Companies and Federations Make Four Commitments
Through the open letter, participating organizations have agreed to work together on four major commitments to increase physical activity among young people.
These include launching initiatives to encourage youth participation, reducing the gender gap in sports, sharing research-based solutions and collaborating with governments and other organizations.
The signatories also plan to work with educational institutions, health organizations and public authorities to improve the environments in which young people study, play and participate in sports.
Special Focus on Encouraging Girls to Participate in Sports
The initiative places particular emphasis on increasing sports participation among girls, who continue to face greater barriers to physical activity.
The participating organizations have highlighted the importance of providing access to suitable sports equipment, safe playing spaces, qualified coaches and school-based physical activity programmes.
These measures are intended to make sports and exercise more accessible and enjoyable for girls and other young people who currently have limited opportunities to participate.
Industry Leaders Call for Collective Action
WFSGI Chief Executive Officer Emma Zwiebler said that no single company could address youth inactivity alone and emphasized the importance of cooperation across the sporting goods industry.
Leaders from companies including Decathlon, Nike, ASICS and Bauer have also supported the initiative, stressing that businesses, governments and communities need to work together to create more opportunities for young people to participate in sports and physical activities.
Open Letter Remains Available for More Signatories
The open letter remains open to additional companies across the global sporting goods industry, including manufacturers, brands and retailers.
The initiative aims to build stronger partnerships between the private sector, governments, schools and sports organizations to encourage healthier lifestyles among younger generations.
The campaign comes as global health experts continue to call for safer, more affordable and accessible opportunities for adolescents to exercise, play and remain physically active.
