1 Awareness in local government
politics

Physical activity is of vital importance if children are to grow
up into healthy adults. Local political representatives should
be aware of this importance and have it established as an area
of policy-making. Without this awareness no political action
can be taken.

Within the framework of existing legislation and regulations cities
and municipalities can govern their tasks independently. The essential
control impulses in a municipality come from the local politicians.
In the execution of their tasks they can influence the municipal
bye-laws and budget, and with this responsibility the promotion
of children’s physical activity can be defined. The children’s interests
normally combine various fields of politics, for instance youth,
schools, sports and health. “Exercise” is an integral component in
all these areas. Political support is vital for a successful practical realisation
of any measures in order to make programmes available
for the promotion of children’s physical activity on a long-term, targeted,
inter-sectoral basis with sufficient resources.

Local politicians should therefore be aware of the positive effects
of exercise on public health. Long-term programmes to promote
public health with a focus on the promotion of physical activity
should be initiated in every municipality. The target should be jointly
defined from the outset by all relevant stakeholders. To raise and
confirm the awareness of local politicians clearly measurable targets,
indicators and the ensuing evaluation are important components
of these programmes. This ensures that all involved share the
same level of knowledge with regard to achieving the objectives.9
Ideally, the local politicians regard the promotion of physical activity
as an area of policy. As support in this area the politicians “responsible”
should receive continual information from the respective departments
of the authorities. All in all, there should be an exchange
between the municipal departments and the policy makers. In
adopting or amending laws the impact on the space children have
for movement and exercise (see Guideline 2) should be taken into
consideration. Existing laws should be examined with regard to restrictions
on possibilities for exercise.

Child-friendlyness for city marketing
Local politics should campaign for a child- and exercise-friendly municipality
and positively communicate this image.