Sport brings people together – sports from around the world

The action day invites you to get involved, have a go and meet new people

How is korfball, from the Netherlands, played? What is capoeira, from Brazil, all about? And what can you expect from a Bulgarian circle dance? The intercultural activity day provides the answers to these questions „Sport brings people together – sports from around the world in Ulm and Neu-Ulm“ on Friday, 25 September 2026, from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm. As part of the European Week of Sport the Danube meadow near the Metzgerturm in Ulm and the Danube steps on the Jahnufer in Neu-Ulm into a vast activity area brimming with sport, social interaction and international diversity.

Under the Europe-wide slogan #BeActive Anyone interested is invited to try out new sports free of charge and with no obligation, to get active themselves and to experience how sport brings together people and cultures from all over Europe and beyond. Whether you’re young or old, physically active or simply curious: you’re very much encouraged to take part.

Sport knows no boundaries

The event demonstrates how sport and physical activity bring people together, regardless of their background, language or age. The focus is on the diversity of our society, which is reflected in a wide variety of sports, traditions of physical activity and cultural influences. In keeping with the European values of openness, cohesion and mutual respect, participants can experience first-hand how physical activity builds bridges and connects people across cultural boundaries.

Visitors can look forward to a varied programme featuring hands-on activities, demonstrations and sporting highlights from Europe and beyond. Whether it’s capoeira from Brazil, lacrosse from North America, Bulgarian circle dances, korfball from the Netherlands, roundnet from the USA or salsa from Cuba: the event offers the chance to discover diverse and often unusual forms of movement and to try them out for yourself. The programme is complemented by further hands-on and exercise activities for children and adults. At the same time, those interested will have the chance to chat with the participating clubs and initiatives and find out more about what they have to offer. The result is a colourful afternoon that brings together people of different backgrounds, cultures and generations through sport and exercise.

Here’s what you can expect on the event day

Whether it’s dance, team sports, martial arts or games of skill: the varied programme invites you to watch, give things a go and join in. The events are taking place simultaneously on the Donauwiese in Ulm and on the Donaustufen on the banks of the Jahn in Neu-Ulm.

Two cities, one shared sporting experience

Following last year’s successful launch, the 2026 Movement Day will be organised jointly by the cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm for the first time. This will see the event grow further and create new opportunities for people to meet, exchange ideas and share experiences along the Danube.

The event is organised jointly by the Europe Direct Centre at the Danube Office in Ulm/Neu-Ulm, the City of Neu-Ulm (Intercultural Affairs Unit) and the City of Ulm (Department of Education and Sport and the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Division). The organisers are supported by intercultural sports coaches, who act as bridge-builders between sports clubs and people from international backgrounds. They too will be present on the day of the event and will help to facilitate encounters and inspire people to take part in sport and physical activity. Together, the partners are sending a clear message in support of diversity, openness and the unifying power of sport.

Experience Europe on the move

European Week of Sport is an initiative of the European Commission and takes place every year from 23 to 30 September. The campaign #BeActive People across Europe are being encouraged to incorporate more exercise into their daily lives and to try out new sports. The action day in Ulm and Neu-Ulm brings this idea to life right here in the local area. You can find out more about European Week of Sport here.