It is truly a pleasure to be back at GAME Streetmekka in Copenhagen.

The last time I was here, I found myself in the middle of a circle of young street dancers – who somehow convinced me that I, too, had a few funky moves to show. 

That was back in 2022, when GAME received the Crown Prince Couple’s Social Prize for its tireless work to empower children and young people through street sports. 

Today, we are once again here to celebrate the power of sport. 

Something special happens to us when we move together. Whether we are beginners or trained athletes, sport releases endorphins, lifts our spirits, and brings us closer to one another. We thrive when we are active together. We nourish that deep, human urge to connect, to participate, and to belong.

In preparing for my 50th birthday, I came up with the idea for Royal Run – now one of the largest community runs in the world. Since then, it has taken place every year in five cities across Denmark. Whether the preferred distance is one mile, five or ten kilometers, the idea is simple: everyone should feel welcome to join.

This year, close to 100,000 people took part – from babies in strollers to role models among our eldest. And for thirty percent, it was their very first running event.

Lowering the barriers to an active life benefits all of us. It strengthens not only our bodies and minds, but also our relationships and communities.

And so, it is with great joy that I declare the 10th European Week of Sport officially open.

(Det talte ord gælder)