World Leisure Day to be celebrated on 16th April

Aiming to reinforce the role of leisure at the centre of the society, the World Leisure Organization has announced that World Leisure Day 2023 will be celebrated all around the globe on 16th April.

The global body has also announced that entries for the 2023 World Leisure International Innovation Prize are now open.

Introducing World Leisure Day, World Leisure Organization Communication and Events Coordinator, Dr Mireia Iglesias advised “in these uncertain times, it is more necessary than ever to acknowledge the importance of leisure playing key role in individual and community developments, contributing to the quality of life and well-being, enhancing social relationships, and often becoming a space for expression and engagement.”

Calling on cities and regions to officially join the World Leisure Day, Dr Iglesias explained how it will be a “unique day” that will “build bridges between people and city activities”.

With theme ‘Leisure for Social Transformation’, World Leisure Day will offer the opportunity for various formats to be used to highlight the importance of leisure, in all its forms: recreation, sport, tourism, arts, culture and education.

Activities can be in-person or virtual, depending on the body, establishment or group with initiatives to include art or cultural performances, educational workshops or sporting challenges.

For more information or to submit an event as part of the official agenda go to worldleisureday.org/events

Entries open 2023 World Leisure International Innovation Prize
The 10th edition of the World Leisure International Innovation Prize seeks to recognise organisations that have implemented creative solutions which foster local, national or international leisure opportunities for the benefit and development of individuals and communities.

Initiated in 2006, projects all over the world have been awarded offering them a unique opportunity to be recognised by a high level global audience, gaining prestigious position and promotion in the international leisure field.

Opportunities and benefits of winning the 2023 World Leisure International Innovation Prize include:

1. The winning organisation will be awarded with US$3,000

2. One representative of the winning organization will be funded to attend the 6th World Leisure Expo & Forum in Hangzhou, China (being held on yet to be announced dates later this year) to receive the Prize

3. The winning organisation will receive the ‘George’ trophy, a physical symbol/statue named in honour of the late leisure consultant and author George Torkildsen.

Applications close on Monday 5th June 2023.

Click here for details of how to apply.

Click here for details of previous winning projects.

The 17th World Leisure Congress is being held in the New Zealand city of Dunedin from 11th to 15th December 2023.