The Idea 
The History 
The Partner WHO
The Definition 
The Rules
How to Participate
How does TAFISA support organizers of the WWD?
How to register

1. The Idea

In today’s technological and mobile society where millions of people own private cars and sedentary life patterns are predominant walking is riding a wave of popularity. It draws its strength from a rediscovery of walking’s utility, pleasures and health-giving qualities. Back to the roots seems to be the motive for many who are aware of the importance of walking as the basic physical activity, vital for well-being and health.
Walking as a mass phenomenon occupies a dominant place in the world of active living!
Taking into account the many benefits of walking related to health and pleasure of people of all ages TAFISA has launched the

World Walking Day (WWD)

The World Walking Day merges the manifold efforts in the field of walking worldwide and stands for the common aim of TAFISA member countries from all continents to present walking as a worldwide movement above all against obesity and inactivity.

2. The History

TAFISA’s official launch of the World Walking Day was on the occasion of the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, June 7, 1992. Since then the event has been growing steadily in numbers of events and participants: on October 2, 2005 there was a record of 72 countries participating worldwide. Thanks to the former TAFISA vice president Hon. Isaac Braz, Israel the World Walking Day has taken its course around the world.

3. The Partner WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized the World Walking Day and gives morale support to the event by linking it to its on-going global annual initiative “Move for Health”.

4. The Definition

The World Walking Day

• is a worldwide one-day participation event
• always takes place on a weekend in October
• offers a globe spanning network of walking tours
• is designed to attract as many participants as possible
• aims at the promotion of physical activity and a healthy life style

5. The Rules

Please consider the following rules for the organization of your event:

1. The event should be open to all target groups i.e. families, handicapped, seniors etc.
2. The main route should not exceed 12 km (8 miles)
3. A range of various routes should be offered to accommodate different levels of physical fitness.
4. The walk route selected should not contain hazards which could cause injury.
5. Safety and security arrangements must be taken into account.

6. How to Participate

The guidelines of the World Walking Day include

1. The WWD is open to every TAFISA member organization to participate.
2. Official date of the WWD 2009 is to be confirmed, but it will be in October.
3. Each participant is free to organize more than one event during the WWD.
4. The event(s) should be under the authority of the respective TAFISA member organization, but not necessarily organized by the TAFISA member.
5. The WWD should be promoted as a national Sport for All program.
6. After official registration each participating organizer will receive the TAFISA support.
7. TAFISA takes charge of the worldwide coordination of the WWD.

7. How does TAFISA support organizers of the WWD?

To each registered organizer TAFISA offers the following support for the organization and promotion of the event:

• Use of the official title “World Walking Day”
• Use of the official logo “World Walking Day”
• TAFISA handbook “How to organize Walking Events”
• Integration of the event into the official WWD Calendar
• Promotion of the event via the TAFISA.net

8. How to register

Please refer to the attached registration form for the WWD and send completed copies if possible before September 15, 2009 to the TAFISA office.

(for exact contact data please see Registration Form)

and

• TAFISA Office

» Registration Form
» 2009 WWD Brochure