«Cwhoever is committed to sport and spreads it helps the country.” The sentence pronounced by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella during a visit to CONES in 2017 perfectly sums up the spirit of National Sports Day 2026scheduled for Sunday 7 June. Established by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in 2003 and promoted by CONI, the event involves hundreds of Italian cities every year with free events, sporting demonstrations and open activities to people of all ages. The goal is to remember that it sport is not just competition, but also health, social inclusion and well-being daily. This year, however, there is one more reason to talk about it. More and more studies show that physical activity represents one of the most powerful prevention and well-being tools for women, from adolescence to menopause up to old age.
Sport is a natural medicine for women
It has been known for some time that the movement is good for us. What perhaps not everyone knows is that… women could obtain even greater benefits than men.
A study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology and supported by National Institutes of Health American highlighted that women who regularly practice physical activity have a reduction in mortality risk and cardiovascular events higher than men, even with lower amounts of exercise.
THE’World Health Organization also remember that regular physical activity contributes to prevent cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and several cancers, including breast and colorectal cancers. It also helps maintain a healthy body weight and improves psychological well-being.
From adolescence to menopause: every age has its sport
Benefits change over the course of life. During adolescence and young adulthood, sports contributes to bone and muscle development and promotes self-esteem. In adult women it helps counteract sedentary lifestyle, overweight and cardiovascular risk factors.
After the age of 50, however, it becomes a precious ally against the loss of muscle mass and bone fragility. Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, Pilates and strength training are among the activities most recommended by experts.
WHO guidelines recommend at least 150-300 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity, combined with muscle strengthening exercises at least twice a week.
Not just the body: sport also improves mental health
If you think about the benefits of physical activity, you often only imagine more toned muscles and a better trained heart. In reality, movement also affects the brain. The WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) they underline how lphysical activity can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve the quality of sleep, support them cognitive functions and increase general well-being.
A particularly important aspect for women who are going through delicate moments in life, such as motherhood, menopause or periods of strong work and family stress.
National Sports Day 2026: a celebration throughout Italy
Sunday 7 June National Sports Day 2026 will involve the entire national territory with initiatives promoted by CONI in collaboration with sports federations, associations and local authorities.
As the Italian National Olympic Committee reminds us, the objective of the event is enhance sport as a tool for individual growth, improvement of quality of life and strengthening social cohesion.
Free trials, sports demonstrations, activities for children, families and adults will be organized in many Italian cities, with the possibility of approaching different disciplines and experimenting with new sports in an atmosphere of celebration and participation.
The detailed program of the initiatives is progressively updated by the CONI Regional Committees and can be consulted on the official portal dedicated to the event.
Calendar and information:
CONI – National Sports Day 2026.
The real goal? Find an activity you enjoy
National Sports Day is not meant to raise champions. The most important message is another: find an enjoyable activity and do it regularly. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a Pilates class, a game of padel or a swim in the pool, movement represents one of the simplest and most powerful gestures a woman can do for her health. And perhaps this is precisely the true victory of sport: not beating an opponent, but feeling better every day.