International sporting events are not just moments of competition, but powerful drivers of economic growth, public health, and regional identity. This was the central message of the seminar “The Power of Sport and Tourism for a Healthy Tomorrow”, held in Toruń as part of the NAT Commission study visit organised by the European Committee of the Regions in cooperation with the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region.
Opening the event, Piotr Całbecki, President of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region and Chair of the CoR NAT Commission, emphasised that sport and tourism are increasingly strategic tools for regional development, connecting European policy with tangible local impact. “Sport is far more than competition. It is a driver of healthier societies, stronger communities and economic growth. International sporting events are not a cost — they are a high-yield investment in the region’s economic and promotional future,” said Piotr Całbecki.
The seminar brought together European, international and regional stakeholders to explore how sport and tourism contribute to sustainable development. Nino Bardzuli, Representative of the World Health Organization in Poland, highlighted the critical role of sport in public health and prevention. “Sport is one of the most effective tools we have to improve population health. It reduces the risk of disease, promotes healthier lifestyles, and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Across Europe, sport and tourism are increasingly creating health-promoting environments,”
From a global sporting perspective, Bob Ramsak, Head of Sustainability at World Athletics, underlined both the opportunities and responsibilities linked to hosting major events.
“Promoting fitness and health remains our top priority, but we must also reduce the environmental footprint of sport. Climate change is already affecting competitions and athletes. That is why sustainability, including renewable energy and waste management, is central to our strategy for the future of global athletics,” he stated.
Jacek Gajewski, Councillor of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship and Chair of the Regional Sport and Tourism Commission, highlighted the concrete economic and strategic benefits of investing in international sporting events. Drawing on regional experience, he stressed that such events generate measurable returns through tourism, global visibility and long-term development. “International sporting events are strategic tools for regional development. They drive tourism and visitor spending, strengthen global place branding, attract investment, and support infrastructure and community development,” he explained. Referring to the example of the Speedway Grand Prix held annually in Toruń since 2010, he noted that recurring international events create stable and predictable tourism flows. “These events build a loyal base of repeat international visitors and create a reliable revenue stream for local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and services sectors,” he added.
The study visit also offered participants a concrete example of how sport infrastructure can be reimagined as a tool for territorial regeneration. Members had the opportunity to visit an abandoned outdoor pool recently bought back by the region. A rehabilitation and renovation project is now in the pipeline to bring new life to this public property, illustrating how investment in sport and leisure infrastructure can contribute not only to healthier lifestyles, but also to local renewal and stronger community identity.
Reflecting on the long-term legacy of major events, Mathieu Cuip, Regional Councillor of the Region of Ile-de-France, pointed to the experience of Paris 2024 as a clear demonstration of sport’s transformative power for regions. “Île-de-France and Paris hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Olympic Games in 2024, putting the region on the global stage far beyond what any tourism campaign could achieve. Paris is a dynamic and welcoming territory, and major sporting events accelerate investment in transport and urban development. Metro Line 14, expanded for the Games, is now one of the busiest links between the city and the airport. The impact goes far beyond sporting performance: millions of visitors discovered new places across the region, repeat visitation is growing, and the Games generated an estimated €8 billion in revenue while strengthening territorial identity and cohesion. Sporting events are true public policy tools to increase the performance of a territory,” he said.
Participants also discussed global benchmarks showing that major events generate significant economic impact, including increased visitor spending, global media reach, and long-term tourism returns. The seminar concluded with a clear message: regions that strategically invest in sport and tourism are not only promoting themselves globally, but also building healthier, more resilient, and more competitive societies for the future.
photo credit © Mikołaj Kuras