GLOBAL ACTIVE CITY Label
The GAC label, which is supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is awarded to cities having implemented a Physical Activity and Sport for All management system, improving governance and efficiency.
Tackle growing levels of inactivity and non-communicable diseasesIt promotes cities that have succeeded in increasing participation in physical activity and sport, helping to tackle the growing levels of inactivity and non-communicable diseases.
It is also important to stress the potential benefits of physical activity and sport beyond the fight against non-communicable diseases. The requirements and recommendations proposed by the AWI model can indeed deliver significant benefits in promoting mental health for all, social inclusion or more sustainable transportation solutions across the city and its surroundings.
High-profile recognitionThe high-profile recognition provided by the GAC label will enhance your city’s reputation locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
BENEFITS
AN ACTIVE CITY FOR HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER CITIZENS
By linking its policy-makers and agencies in areas of health, sports, education and social development around a framework of integrated initiatives, a Global Active City puts the well-being of citizens as its central goal in a city fit for the future. A Global Active City demonstrates to its citizens that it is fully committed to their health, well-being and happiness.
Prevention is better than cure
The AWI model adopts an inclusive approach and is based on a strong belief that prevention is better than cure. The implementation of the Global Active City (GAC) label also has a positive impact on many other areas of physical and mental health and promotes a global approach towards well-being.
Increased participation in sport and physical activity for all citizens
The GAC standard sets out tried and tested methods which, when implemented, are proven to increase participation in sport and physical activity. Irrespective of whether the individual is a top sporting champion or simply participating in recreational activity, the AWI model caters for all levels.
Increased accessibility to facilities and knowledge
Implementing the GAC standard enhances accessibility to physical activity, sport for all, sports facilities and outlines how individual support to adopt active, healthy lifestyles can be provided to every citizen.
Promoting a global standard for physical activity and well-being in the city
Happier & healthier citizens in a city that puts their well-being at the centre of its priorities. The AWI approach helps cities to engage fully with their political leaders, partner organisations, citizens and visitors.
A SMART CITY OF THE FUTURE IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE
Urbanisation is happening at breath-taking speed, but at an unacceptable cost to the environment and our population. A Global Active City redesigns contemporary, sustainable urban living and provides a positive legacy for future generations.
Re-engineered, sustainable and safer urban environment
A Global Active City (GAC) encourages and enables an improved quality of life in a re-engineered, sustainable urban environment – as part of the Active Well-being Initiative model, urban planners and architects design cities and facilities with citizens’ needs in mind.
Social inclusion
Today’s world is increasingly torn and damaged by social inequalities. The implementation of the GAC standard helps to build socially equitable, diverse, safer and cohesive communities.
Provide a positive legacy to future generations
Create the feeling in citizens that they are fully engaged and are part of being a smart city on the move! Through this feeling, citizens are far more likely to take proud ownership of their living environment.
Empowered citizenship
There is increasing conflict at community, regional, national and international levels. The AWI approach provides a grassroots pathway towards creating positive behavioural-change, resulting in well-informed and inspired citizens, social inclusion and empowered citizenship. Citizens become active together, with meaningful role-models.
A SUCCESSFUL CITY WITH MORE MONEY TO SPEND ON THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE
A Global Active City drives inward investment, resulting in more productive workforce, budget synergies and cost savings. It drives competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. It also proves that agile policy-making in urban design, sport for all, health and social inclusion is fully compatible with economic growth and enhanced global profile.
Encouraging evidence-based practice
Evidence-based practice is key to successful strategies. The AWI model asks cities to set performance indicators to demonstrate the impact of policies and progress to city leaders, partners and the public. During a time of increased financial pressures on cities this evidence-based approach is vital when trying to ensure long term sustainability.
Long-term planning and cross-party political support
There are many examples from across the globe where the AWI model has been popular with politicians, partner organisations and citizens. This popularity makes it possible for longer term plans to be created and established as the AWI approach has cross-party political support.
Increased international attractiveness
Cities worldwide want to increase their profile and attractiveness. GAC certification, with the support of the IOC, will recognize and celebrate the good work of certified cities. The AWI model allows Partner Cities worldwide to tackle the same challenges and share their best practices. Together with the international acclaim and recognition which comes from being a certified “Global Active City” there is also the local pride it generates amongst the partner organisations in the city and in the citizens.
Efficiency savings in key budget areas
The AWI approach outlines how a city can make efficiency savings in key budget areas, including sport, physical activity, health and social care through the effective use of financial and staffing resources. It advocates the creation of a cross sector, integrated alliance to help achieve this. The evidence-based approach of the AWI model helps to provide clarity in a city around the spending of tax-payers’ money.
A long-term legacy for sporting events
In relation to major sporting events, host cities tend to struggle to deliver tangible legacies in terms of active and healthy living. The implementation of the GAC standard enables cities to deliver a legacy of more active citizens, across all ages and profiles. It outlines ways to have the infrastructure ready in host cities prior to the event taking place. This ensures that once the spike in interest comes during the event, the citizens are aware of how they can be active, prior to, during and after the event. It also helps to maximise the usage of any new venues and infrastructures created as a result of the event.The hosting of local, national and international sporting events enhances a feeling of pride within citizens, communities and cities.
