The award recognizes municipalities that engage the most children in School Jogging relative to their size, according to the Swedish School Sports Association. Umeå reached the top in the county due to broad engagement in its activities, though the exact number of participating children and specific programs that contributed to its success have not been disclosed. The award is a result of long-term work to create movement richness in schools and get more children moving, the association said.
Engaged and competent physical education teachers and other educators work daily to give children and students the desire, ability, and opportunity to move. Christopher Granberg, Deputy Education Director for Compulsory School, stated that the award can be seen as proof that their long-term work to create movement richness is effective. He added that winning awards is fun and gives strength in the continued work, but of greater importance is obviously that they succeed in getting more children and young people to move from a health perspective.
It remains unclear how Umeå's engagement rate compares to other municipalities in Västerbotten or nationally, and the health impacts observed from increased movement among children in the area have not been detailed.