Renowned for its innovative education and research programmes, the Gerlev Physical Education and Sports Academy is an international leader in the fields of both movement and play. Founded in 1938, the academy is best known for its playful and experimental approach to movement. It regularly collaboration with foundations, municipalities, and other organisations to spread knowledge of playful and joyful movement throughout society.

Gerlev’s Centre for Play and Movement is a knowledge-sharing centre focused on physical, active play. It builds and shares knowledge of play and “playbuilding” in collaboration with companies, schools, institutions and researchers. Education modules range from practical courses and training programmes to purely experiential events. A ‘play park’ allows visitors to explore more than 100 games, many of which are from bygone days.

Gerlev is also a proponent of parkour – a discipline where practitioners move from one point to another in the fastest way possible while performing acrobatics. Gerlev is home to the world’s first parkour park, where an international gathering is held every year. The Gerlev Performance Team, made up of dancers and parkour practitioners, performs during this event.

Since 1978, the academy has recognised individuals and institutions with one of Denmark’s most prestigious sports awards, The Gerlev Prize rewards individuals and organizations that have contributed to the culture of sport and movement or furthered the understanding of its the cultural role and potential. The prize is typically awarded to individuals or organizations support that “dare to challenge the established sporting order.”