Health starts in everyday school life

Sport & Health
Secondary School 18, Linz, Dr Karl Renner School, Fit for Life with 3x10, School Health Award
Promotional video for New Secondary School 18
Photo: ©Promotional video NMS 18 Linz

Health promotion has long been about more than just PE lessons and an apple at break time. With the Linz School Health Award, the City of Linz recognises projects that integrate health into everyday school life in a sustainable way. The prize was awarded for the second time in 2026 and recognises initiatives that raise pupils’ awareness of exercise, nutrition, mental wellbeing or social skills. The award goes to projects that go beyond the regular curriculum and make a lasting contribution to a healthy school environment. The award ceremony took place last week at the Ars Electronica Centre.

Secondary School 18 Dr. Karl Renner School, Linz
Photo: ©Promotional video NMS 18 Linz

A simple idea with a big impact

One of the award-winning projects is “Fit for Life with 3x10” from Dr. Karl Renner School No. 18. It began with observations made by the team of PE teachers: many young people were struggling with basic movement patterns and body awareness. The response was deliberately kept simple.

Since then, every PE lesson has begun with a set exercise programme. This includes squats, push-ups, sit-ups and juggling exercises. The exercises are repeated regularly and form part of the lesson for all pupils. The aim is not peak athletic performance, but the continuous improvement of strength, coordination and body awareness.

Consistency rather than complicated concepts

Success was not long in coming. Significant progress was already evident after around six months. The majority of the young people now perform the exercises correctly and train regularly. It was precisely this sustainable approach that also impressed the jury of the Linz School Health Award.

The project impressively demonstrates that health promotion does not necessarily require large investments or elaborate programmes. Simple measures are often sufficient, provided they are implemented consistently. 

We think “Fit for Life with 3x10” is #absolutelybrilliant. Congratulations on this award.

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