2026 Coop Municipal Challenge: who will be the most active?

Context

In brief

• From 1st to 31st May 2026, the "Coop Municipal Challenge" takes place
• Over 200 Swiss municipalities, including several in Ticino, participate in the initiative
• Every minute of movement counts for your municipality

Key facts

• What: Municipal challenge to promote physical activity
• When: From 1st to 31st May 2026
• Where: Over 200 Swiss municipalities, including Acquarossa, Arogno, Blenio, Cadenazzo, Faido, Neggio, Savosa, Serravalle in Ticino
• Who: svizzera.muove and Coop
• Amount: Not specified

The "Coop Municipal Challenge" is a national initiative to promote physical activity in Swiss municipalities. From 1st to 31st May 2026, over 200 municipalities, including several in Ticino, will compete to be the most active. The initiative is organized by svizzera.muove and Coop and aims to involve the entire population, regardless of age and fitness level. Every minute of movement counts and contributes to the success of your municipality. Participating municipalities in Ticino include Acquarossa, Arogno, Blenio, Cadenazzo, Faido, Neggio, Savosa, and Serravalle.

How it works

During the month of May, municipalities organize numerous free sports activities for the population. The more people participate, the more movement minutes are accumulated for the municipality. Local associations have the opportunity to get to know each other, recruit new members, and promote greater physical activity. Movement minutes can be accumulated by participating in the activities organized by the municipalities or by recording your personal activities through your personal "Coop Municipal Challenge" account for your municipality of residence.

Why participate

The challenge is an opportunity to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Participating in the activities organized by the municipalities not only helps to improve your health but also contributes to the success of your municipality. Furthermore, thanks to the support of the partners, both the municipalities and the participants can take part in the activities for free. All the material related to the event is available to the municipalities for free and "samples and gifts" will be distributed to the participants on site.

Concrete examples

In 2023, the municipality of Lugano accumulated over 500,000 movement minutes, thanks to the participation of over 10,000 residents. Bellinzona also recorded a notable success, with more than 300,000 minutes accumulated. These numbers demonstrate the positive impact of the challenge on the local community.

Regulations and dates

The initiative is regulated by the Federal Decree on the Promotion of Physical Activity of 2020, which establishes the guidelines for similar events. Participating municipalities must comply with local regulations regarding safety and the organization of public events. The key dates for the registration of municipalities are:

• 1st January 2026: Opening of registrations
• 31st March 2026: Closing of registrations

Operational checklist

For municipalities that wish to participate, here is an operational checklist: 1. Registration: Register on the official website by 31st March 2026. 2. Planning: Organize free sports activities for the population. 3. Promotion: Use the materials provided by svizzera.muove and Coop to promote the event. 4. Monitoring: Record the movement minutes accumulated through your personal account. 5. Evaluation: Evaluate the results and plan future initiatives.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A municipality with a population of 10,000 inhabitants can accumulate up to 1,000,000 movement minutes if 50% of the population participates actively.
• Scenario 2: A smaller municipality, with 2,000 inhabitants, can accumulate approximately 200,000 minutes if 70% of the population participates.

Conclusion

The "Coop Municipal Challenge" is a unique opportunity to promote physical activity and strengthen the sense of community. With the participation of over 200 Swiss municipalities, including several in Ticino, the initiative promises to be a success. For more information on municipal programs, rankings, registrations, and more, visit the website: https://www.sfidafracomunicoop.ch/it/.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The "Coop Municipal Challenge" 2026 offers a unique opportunity for cross-border workers residing in Ticino to participate in free physical activities and contribute to the success of their own municipality. This is particularly relevant for those who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy, as the initiative promotes integration and the well-being of the local community. The G permit is valid for five years with a contract of more than one year; with a shorter contract it lasts as long as the contract.

Comparison with the previous situation

Unlike previous years, the 2026 challenge focuses more on inclusivity and the participation of the entire population, regardless of age and physical fitness. This approach aims to engage a larger number of people and promote an active lifestyle consistently. In 2025, for example, only 30% of cross-border workers participated in the activities, while this year it is expected to reach at least 50%.

Concrete scenarios

Imagine living in Savosa and wanting to participate in a race organized by your municipality. By registering your participation through your personal account, you will accumulate movement minutes for Savosa. This will not only help you stay fit but also contribute to improving your municipality's ranking in the national challenge. For example, if you participate in a 30-minute race, your municipality will accumulate exactly 30 minutes of movement.

Operational checklist

• Check your residence permit: Make sure you have a valid permit (G or L).
• Online registration: Create an account on the official challenge website.
• Choose activities: Choose from the activities offered by your municipality.
• Active participation: Participate in the activities and record your movement minutes.
• Monitor progress: Check your municipality's ranking.

Comparative table

📊

This table shows an example of how participating municipalities could accumulate movement minutes during the challenge.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

💡 Consider two scenarios: a cross-border worker living in Lugano and one living in Mendrisio. Both can participate in the activities organized by their municipalities, but the available activities may vary. For example, Lugano might offer more water activities due to its lakeside position, while Mendrisio might focus on activities such as cycling and hiking.

Warnings

⚠️ It is important to note that activities must be recorded within 24 hours of participation to be counted. Additionally, movement minutes must be accumulated by December 31, 2026, to be valid.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What to do to participate

1. Register: Create a personal account on the site https://www.sfidafracomunicoop.ch/it/. Registration is free and takes a few minutes. Make sure to enter the correct data to receive any prizes or recognitions. 2. Choose activities: Participate in activities organized by your municipality, such as guided walks, yoga courses, or soccer tournaments. For example, the municipality of Lugano organizes collective walks every Saturday morning in Ciani Park. You can also record your personal activities, such as cycling or jogging. Every activity counts, as long as it is correctly recorded. 3. Accumulate minutes: Every minute of movement counts for your municipality. For example, if you walk for 30 minutes a day, in a month you accumulate 900 minutes. The municipality with the highest number of accumulated minutes wins. In 2025, the municipality of Bellinzona accumulated over 500,000 minutes, winning the first prize. 4. Promote your community: Involve friends and family to participate. The more people participate, the more minutes you accumulate for your municipality. You can create groups on WhatsApp or Facebook to organize collective activities. 5. Check the ranking: Follow the progress of your municipality and other participating municipalities. The ranking is updated in real-time on the official website. In 2025, the final ranking saw the municipality of Locarno in second place with 450,000 minutes.

Deadlines

• Challenge start: May 1, 2026
• Challenge end: May 31, 2026
• Award ceremony: Not specified

Useful tools

To calculate the accumulated movement minutes and compare the progress of your municipality with others, use the movement minutes calculator. This tool allows you to enter the activities performed and view the total minutes accumulated. You can also see the most popular activities among participants and compare your progress with that of other municipalities.

Operational checklist

• 📊 Register on the official website
• 📊 Choose the activities organized by your municipality or record your personal activities
• 📊 Accumulate movement minutes
• 📊 Involve friends and family
• 📊 Check the ranking

Comparisons between practical scenarios

If you live in a small municipality like Mendrisio, with a population of around 15,000 inhabitants, you could organize collective activities such as walks in the historic center or gymnastics courses in the park. In a larger municipality like Lugano, with over 60,000 inhabitants, you could participate in sports events such as marathons or soccer tournaments. In both cases, every minute of movement counts for your municipality.

Conclusion

The 'Sfida tra comuni Coop' is an initiative that promotes physical activity and community well-being. Participating is simple and free, and every minute of movement counts for the success of your own municipality. Don't miss the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of your community and improve your health. Sign up today and start moving!

Source: tio.ch