Global Esports Federation is expanding its measures to maintain physical and mental health in its players ©GEF

The Global Esports Federation (GEF) is expanding its commitment to encourage active youth, focusing on the overall wellbeing, health, and performance of esports athletes and players.

Health experts will collaborate on the issue as part of the GEF Health and Wellness Commission, led by chair Dr Melita Moore, a sports medicine physician and team doctor for the National Basketball Association.

According to the GEF, the Commission will "design and develop initiatives that create tangible projects and educational resources, aimed at improving the overall health and wellness of the esports community, while promoting performance and levelled-up participation."

Dr Moore commented: "Esports can be physically and mentally demanding at both professional and amateur levels.

"Just like traditional sport athletes, regular exercise, sleep, and nutrition are as important to the overall wellbeing and performance of any esports player.

"I’m honoured to be part of this pioneering global platform that focuses on driving performance, wellness and healthy lifestyle for esports athletes and players worldwide.

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo helped promote the recent Global Esports Federation initiative to maintain players' physical and mental health ©GEF
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo helped promote the recent Global Esports Federation initiative to maintain players' physical and mental health ©GEF

"There is a lack of awareness, understanding, and guidance on health and wellness pertaining to esports.

"While I’ve always emphasised that exercise is medicine, mental health, nutrition education, and eye health are other aspects of wellness we will focus on in our work on the GEF Health and Wellness Commission."

The GEF created a global partnership with Singapore-based Thomson X in 2020 and established the Performance+ wellness initiative to encourage responsible esports and promoting optimised performance, wellness, and balanced lifestyle.

International footballer Cristiano Ronaldo announced the initiative, which assembles leaders and mentors as role models to lead on various aspects of health and wellness.

The Singapore-based GEF was launched in December 2019 and is backed by Chinese technology company Tencent.

It is planning to stage the inaugural Global Esport Games in December this year with 20 countries said to be interested in playing host.

The event will rival the International Esports Federation's (IESF) World Championship, which has run for 11 editions and also traditionally takes place in December.