The global sports firms have signed an open letter coordinated by the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry to get the youth to move more.

Physical inactivity is a top risk factor for young adults and the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is rallying health and wellness efforts to get them to move more.

Thus far, 83 sporting goods companies and federation have signed an open letter coordinated by the WFSGI. The letter represents their commitment to strengthen efforts to help more young people enjoy lifelong benefits of sport, physical activity and movement. Brand signatories to the open letter include Adidas, Asics, sports equipment firm Bauer, sporting goods retailer Decathlon, New Balance and Nike, joining others that include sporting goods associations, manufacturers, brands and retailers from across the global sporting goods value chain.

And while removing barriers to movement will make it easier for young people to participate in physical activities, there is also recognitions that movement is beneficial to both public health and also for the future of sport itself.

In the open letter, the signatories commit to four shared commitments: deliver initiatives that increase youth participation and close the gender gap; share best practices and evidence-based solutions through collaboration; work in partnership with regional and national stakeholders who can transform systems and environments that shape youth physical activity, and engage more with governments to advocate for stronger alignment between health, education, sport, trade and urban planning policies.

The industry already invests in grassroots programs, community initiatives and athlete sponsorships.

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