“We move Bavaria”: A passion for exercise and health

Summer weather, a varied programme of activities and around 1,000 enthusiastic participants, clubs and initiatives: The “We move Bavaria” event transformed the sports centre at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) on Saturday 13 June 2026 into a vibrant hub for health, prevention and community exercise. The event, initiated by the Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and organised by Würzburg University Hospital (UKW) in collaboration with JMU, impressively demonstrated just how much joy exercise can bring – and the contribution it makes to health.

People of all ages took the opportunity to try out numerous sports and exercise activities free of charge. Whether it was taekwondo, wheelchair basketball, yoga, pilates, disc golf, body cross training, slacklining, parkour, handball or the dynamic fitness programme ‘World Jumping’ – the whole site was buzzing with activity all day long. Families with children in particular were enthusiastic about the hands-on activities.

Opening ceremony with Bavaria’s Minister for Health

The event was opened by Bavaria’s Minister for Health and Prevention, Judith Gerlach, who had come to Würzburg as a representative of the patron, Minister-President Dr Markus Söder. The guests were also welcomed by Professor Stephan Hackenberg, representing the Medical Directorate of the UKW, BZKF Director Professor Andrea Wittig-Sauerwein, and Würzburg’s Lord Mayor Martin Heilig. Together with the young cancer patient Leni Hock, Judith Gerlach then officially launched the campaign day.

In her welcoming address, Health Minister Gerlach emphasised the importance of cancer prevention: “With the Bavarian Cancer Research Center, we are bringing together cutting-edge research and care in Bavaria. Furthermore, with our Prevention Masterplan, we are focusing specifically on prevention, early detection and health promotion that reaches people in their everyday lives. I wholeheartedly welcome today’s ‘We move Bavaria’ campaign day. After all, regular exercise is one of the most effective measures for promoting health.”

Scientific studies show that physical activity can reduce the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and various types of cancer. At the same time, exercise improves well-being, quality of life and social participation.

Get informed – and free health checks

Alongside sporting activities, organisations, self-help groups and initiatives provided information about their services. The free health checks and the opportunity for stem cell typing also attracted a great deal of attention, with numerous visitors taking advantage of these services.

Another highlight of the day was the discussion on the topic of “Sport and Health” with the two elite athletes Thomas Lurz and Tim Bauder. Two Olympic medals, twelve world championship titles and many other top placings make Lurz one of the most successful German open-water swimmers in history. He competed for SV Würzburg 05. Bauder is a handball player for the Wölfe Würzburg and has been an ambassador for the Würzburg-based charity “Hilfe im Kampf gegen Krebs” for the past two years. Many guests not only followed the discussion with interest but also took advantage of the autograph session that followed.

The performances by regional dance and sports groups, as well as the raffle with attractive prizes, also gained a great deal of interest.

In conclusion, the organisers drew a thoroughly positive conclusion. The event had impressively demonstrated just how great the public’s interest in exercise, health promotion and cancer prevention is. At the same time, it had succeeded in inspiring people of all ages, fitness levels and health conditions to adopt an active lifestyle – entirely in keeping with the motto: Every bit of exercise counts.