More than 6 million people across 29 countries took part in the first ever European Week of Sport (EWS) earlier this year.

Organised by the European Commission (EC), the initiative – which ran from 7 to 13 September – was designed to raise awareness of the benefits of sport and resulted in more than 7,000 events across European Union states.

A marketing campaign prior to the week encouraged sports clubs, gyms, schools, universities, employers and volunteer groups to register and take part by organising their own European Week of Sport-themed activities – intended to attract people who are currently inactive.

The week was structured around four "focus days" – education environment; workplace; outdoors; and sport clubs and fitness centres.

In an evaluation report of the EWS, published this week, the EC said it was encouraged by the results and would use the report in planning the 2016 edition.

The report highlights the positive effect of a coordinated campaign to get more people active, with sports bodies in EU countries working with – and learning from – each other to manage individual events during the week.

“Strong networks were set-up for the 2015 European Week of Sport,” the report states. “It will be important to maintain and strengthen these existing networks.

“Ideally, the network of partners could be expanded to incorporate even more sport and sport-related organisations.”

While encouraging increased cooperation, the report does, however, suggest that the week should remain "in public ownership" and discourages the involvement of commercial operators.

“In line with comments received in the evaluation process, it is not advised to partner with private companies, to ensure the Week remains un-branded, without any commercial name attached to it.”

To download and read the full evaluation report, click here.

• Preparatory work for the 2016 European Week of Sport will begin at the EU Sport Forum in The Hague, 9-10 March 2016.