The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a new action guide aimed at sports event organizers, titled “Healthier food and healthier food environments at sports events.” Developed in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, the guide presents a roadmap for achieving healthier food choices and environments within and around sports stadiums. The guide outlines five key actions to enhance food offerings and combat detrimental marketing practices.
The guide suggests practical measures that can be implemented throughout various phases of sports events, spanning from planning and operations to post-event activities. The publication extends its utility beyond event organizers, catering to governments, local authorities, and sports arena managers, assisting them in formulating policies for wholesome food procurement and service across sports settings.
Recognizing the significance of nutritious, safe, and sustainable diets for individual well-being and global ecology, sports events stand as an opportune platform to advocate for healthy eating as a constituent of a balanced lifestyle. The prominence of large-scale sports events offers a unique avenue to create positive perceptions of health-conscious food and beverages, impacting billions of global fans.
In a notable collaboration in 2022, WHO partnered with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to prioritize healthier food offerings at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. As a result, over 30% of menu items during this landmark event met WHO nutritional standards, representing a substantial advancement in promoting healthier dietary choices.
Building on the achievements observed during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, this action guide serves as a compelling blueprint for future sports events, championing the fight against obesity, excessive weight, and noncommunicable diseases associated with dietary habits. It seeks to galvanize efforts toward enhancing public health and well-being while redefining the influential role that sports events can play in advancing these objectives.
