Health is built day by day, step by step, health minister Katya Ivkova said as she opened European Week of Sport #BeActive 2026 outside the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia. She called on people to take at least one more step toward a more active life, the health ministry's press office said.

Ivkova said the initiative brings together institutions, athletes and ordinary people around one goal: more physical activity and a healthier way of life. "We often think about health care only once there's already a problem, but our main job should be different – to reach people earlier, before the diagnosis, before the medicine, before the hospital," she said.

The minister said exercise is a key part of looking after your health. "It's one of those small choices we make today that our body remembers tomorrow. That's why the health ministry takes part in European Week of Sport – because we want to talk more not just about treating illness, but about protecting health," Ivkova said.

Youth and sports minister Encho Keryazov formally opened European Week of Sport #BeActive 2026. Also at the event were Yordanka Chobanova, head of the European Commission's representation in Bulgaria, and Olympic karate champion Ivet Goranova, who is an ambassador for the initiative.

The opening kicks off a series of events in Sofia and across the country. On 26 September, the #BeActive Sports Village will take place outside the National Palace of Culture, showcasing more than 45 sports, followed that evening by #BeActive Night of Sport. The campaign continues with regional events in Vidin, Berkovitsa and Dupnitsa.

That same day, from 4pm to 8pm, teams from the Sofia regional health inspectorate will offer free, anonymous testing for HIV and hepatitis B and C. They will help people set up the "eZdrave" mobile app, measure carbon monoxide in exhaled breath, offer a test with "alcohol goggles" and talk to people about the risks of not being active, the inspectorate said on its website.

European Week of Sport #BeActive is a European Commission initiative aimed at getting more people moving and living more active lives.