Physical literacy movement picks up momentum in Sweden

Physical literacy is catching on on worldwide, and nowhere is the movement picking up more steam that in Sweden. Later this year we will be co-hosting the International Physical Literacy Conference (IPLC) Europe in Umeå, along with co-host Change the Game Sweden, and in preparation organizers flew to Winnipeg in May to check out Canada’s version of the event.

“We are so excited about everything that’s happening with physical literacy in Sweden,” said Andrea Carey, Sport for Life’s Director of Operations and Special Projects.

“It’s really caught on like a wildfire over there, and we want to make sure we’re fanning the flames. It’s been really great to see Sport for Life concepts and ideals taken and mobilized in another context, and so inspiring to see the enthusiastic response from participants.”

IPLC Europe will feature keynote speeches from Dr. Dean Dudley, Dr. PJ Naylor, Dr. Dean Kriellaars and Dr. John Cairney. Both CEO Richard Way and Carey will be presenting as well. There will also be workshops before and after the festivities, and organizer Tom Englen feels this will just be the latest step of a growing movement.

“All across our country we’ve seen the concept of physical literacy resonate with people and transform their view of how to nurture active and healthy lifestyles in a sustainable way. This conference is about more than just promoting active lifestyles, it’s about really motivating people to embrace innovations within their sector and collaborate to create environments that will benefit the health of people from all backgrounds,” he said.

“Most of all, we want to make sure people are having fun while they learn and share new tools and insights in order to change the world with this social innovation. There will be sports, fundamental movement skills exercises, dancing, co-creating sessions and all kinds of activities that delegates might not normally be exposed to.”

And there will be plenty of decision-makers present.

“When people register for IPLC Europe, they can expect that they’ll be rubbing shoulders with some of the leading minds in the physical literacy movement while being exposed to innovative strategies and cutting edge research,” said Carey.

“We look forward to sharing with and learning from our Swedish and international colleagues.”

The conference will be held from Sept. 10 to 14 with pre and post workshops. For more information visit iplc.info.