When the MOVE Congress 2025 gathers in Copenhagen in late October, ISCA will be partnering with DGI, Denmark’s primary grassroots sport organisation and a key ISCA member.

Representing over 6,600 sports clubs and associations with a collective membership exceeding 1.9 million, DGI members account for almost a third of the nation’s population. For the MOVE Congress, it’s an opportunity to study Danish grassroots sport initiatives, philosophy and proven practices that #activate people – while DGI will benefit from learning how others work globally.

“At DGI, we’re super proud to welcome so many participants from across the world,” says DGI Chair Charlotte Bach Thomassen. “The Move Congress will offer a unique opportunity to learn and establish cooperation. Here we can inspire each other to make a real difference to public health, well-being and education in all age groups, with #activation and commitment as common focus areas.”

“Participants will bring fresh inspiration home to their organisations and local communities,” she continues. “The Congress will leave lasting impressions and impact the connections between well-being, health, non-formal education, and local community activation. Here, physical activity and communities are essential elements.”

With its roots in 19th century civil society movements and traditions of voluntary engagement, DGI as we know it today was formed in 1992 by the merger of two grassroots sport organisations. From its early days, collaboration with neighbouring countries and more distant nations was central to DGI’s philosophy – co-operation that encouraged participation, developed new training methods and strengthened civil-society-based sports organisations.

Photo: Jens Astrup

Naturally close ties

In 1994, DGI was instrumental in gathering community sport partners to discuss the need for stronger collaboration across borders —an initiative that led to the founding of ISCA a year later. As a result, the two organisations naturally share close ties – evidenced by the fact that ISCA’s secretariat is located in the same building as DGI’s Copenhagen headquarters.

“DGI is a committed partner of ISCA,” says ISCA President Mogens Kirkeby. “It is a pleasure that DGI is co-hosting the MOVE Congress in the year of ISCA’s 30th anniversary. It will showcase how our two organisations share ideas and co-operate successfully across various projects.”

Over time, DGI has evolved to serve multiple roles within Denmark’s sporting landscape. It collaborates with local clubs and associations to develop programmes, offer education, and build resources, encouraging community engagement and health literacy. It also organises national projects and public campaigns supported by ISCA such as Move for Life, We Walk and DGI- Esport.

Although DGI has expanded its portfolio to include a variety of new initiatives, its main objective remains the promotion of community sport, fitness and well-being among Danish residents. At its core, DGI is dedicated to spreading the joy of movement and empowering sports associations to drive positive change throughout society.

The MOVE Congress will benefit from DGI’s strong local presence and deep sector knowledge, which will compliment ISCA’s international reach. Together, all Congress partners aim to create a space for innovative new thinking, shared learning and cooperation —where local initiatives can help inspire global strategies.

Read more about DGI here.