CASE STUDY 2 The Wellness Valley by Technogym Located in Romagna, northern Italy, the Wellness Valley113 is a pioneering regional ecosystem that places sport and wellness at the core of sustainable urban and rural development. Initiated by sporting equipment and wellness leader Technogym, the Valley brings together more than 400 partners, including public institutions, the private sector, academia and civil society, to encourage active lifestyles, improve public health and stimulate economic growth. This collaborative, multistakeholder approach is rooted in sport and health-centric design, in harmony with one of Italy’s most biodiverse environments.114 Since its launch in 2003, the Wellness Valley has transformed the region through cycling pathways and walking trails that connect towns and promote sustainable, low-emission transport. These initiatives encourage residents to integrate movement into daily life and enhance access to green spaces. Projects such as Cesena Sport City have upgraded sport infrastructure, providing accessible facilities that encourage active, inclusive lifestyles. Along the coast, the 16 km Parco del Mare in Rimini has been redeveloped as a multifunctional public space with fitness islands, play areas and open-air exercise zones, promoting sport, social engagement and well-being. Over two decades, the Wellness Valley has shifted the region’s culture: Romagna now reports nearly half the percentage of sedentary population compared to the national average (15% vs. 27%), and half the prevalence of older adults at risk of disability (8% vs. 16%). By hosting international sporting events and wellness festivals, the Valley has generated significant economic activity and established itself as a model for sustainable, sport-led urban regeneration. Notable annual events include the Granfondo Nove Colli, Ironman Italy and Wellness Week, a 10-day festival featuring more than 500 public events focused on sport and well-being. Technogym’s production facilities in the Valley support sustainability efforts, operating on 100% renewable electricity. Technogym also embraces circularity, with approximately half of products eligible for the refurbishment process reconditioned, extending their life cycle in line with a growing focus on the circular economy, while 90% of packaging materials are certified for responsible sourcing. The Wellness Valley’s holistic approach has strengthened the local economy, creating a 26% growth in wellness- related enterprises between 2011 and 2024 to more than 4,500 companies and 15,000 employees. It has also attracted 1.72 million sport and wellness tourists in 2024, including more than 200,000 international visitors. The wellness industry in the region grew in value by 68% from 2011 to 2023, driving sustained economic growth. Its best practices are now being adopted in new initiatives, including Milano Wellness City 2030 and Cortina Wellness Destination, designed to extend the legacy of the Milano- Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Ultimately, the long-term transformation of sport mobility requires integrated transport systems that prioritize low-emission travel and active mobility, including walking and cycling. Viet Nam’s pilot of dedicated cycling lanes, including Ho Chi Minh City’s first bicycle-priority corridor connecting key neighbourhoods110 aims to revive the country’s bicycle culture, a mode of transport that predominated throughout much of the 20th century, before motorcycles and cars became prevalent in the late 1990s.111 This shift also supports sustainable sports tourism, as demonstrated by the 2023 Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix, where more than 45,000 spectators arrived by bicycle,112 highlighting the powerful role of active transport in reducing emissions while enhancing the event experience. Sports for People and Planet 31

Sports for People and Planet 2026