Sports
Sports and health are important for our general welfare. There are a number of bodies in Stockholm that have a responsibility for work in the field of public health.
The City plays a central role with its own sports facilities and association grants for the sports movement. The City’s commission is also to create accessibility, so that all Stockholmers are able to get involved in sports and exercise based on their own preferences and conditions.
Stockholm’s proximity to nature makes it easy to carry out physical activities in a natural setting, such as running or training at one of the City’s many outdoor gyms or facilities for spontaneous sport, swimming, sailing, canoeing, climbing and other outdoor activities. Stockholm can also offer a wealth of associations that span a wide range of options, from nature and outdoor activities to sports clubs that run activities for both casual participants and those at an elite level. About half of the city’s children and young people are active in an association, where they are led by a large number of volunteer leaders.
The City strives to improve public health and create conditions for Stockholmers to become more physically active.
Opportunities for spontaneous sport and organised sport through associations should provide opportunities for everyone to be physically active. Public health, accessibility for all, fellowship in association, gender equality and sustainability are important keywords. Research shows that an active life increases quality of life and reduces illness and premature death. When children and young people are physically active, it is proven that their learning ability increases and that school performance improves. The use of alcohol and tobacco is less prevalent among young people who are physically active. Sport also offers a sense of cohesion and community.
Associations that run or want to start activities for children and young people aged 7–20, and for people with disabilities, receive practical and financial support through the Sport Department’s operations.
Association grants
Sports clubs can receive support/grants from the City. Priority is given to children and young people, and associations for pensioners. An association is able to book exercise times at a sporting or exercise facility according to certain criteria.
Sporting events
Hundreds of sporting events take place in Stockholm every year; from the Stockholm Marathon and the Tjejmilen 10 km run for girls, to local activities in city districts. The City works strategically to attract major international sporting events to Stockholm. The purpose is to boost Stockholm as an event city and tourist destination – but also to stimulate interest in sports.
Events in the City of Stockholm
Organisation
The Sports Department is tasked with creating conditions for Stockholmers to become more physically active. Organised sports through associations and opportunities for spontaneous sports should provide opportunities for everyone to become active. Public health, accessibility for all, fellowship in association, gender equality and sustainability are important keywords, both for the department’s own work and for the activities offered.
The Sports Department and the city district departments are responsible for ensuring that outdoor areas, exercise tracks, parks and similar areas are pleasant, safe and functional, in order to stimulate people to spend time outdoors and engage in physical activity.
The Real Estate Department manages and develops the City’s properties. These include premises for sports and exercise, such as sports halls and swimming pools.
The Education Department and SISAB are responsible for ensuring that school playgrounds are attractive and encourage movement.