The seventh European Sports Evening took place on Monday in Brussels. Kirsty Coventry attended, as did the President of the European Olympic Committees, Spyros Capralos. The IOC President praised the work carried out by the European stakeholders of the Olympic Movement on this occasion. I would like to thank the 27 EU NOCs that have fully-fledged athletes' commissions. This is not just a structure, but a real principle according to which Athletes have a voice and can bring real added value to everything we undertake She says.
The former swimmer also called for sport to play a greater role in European policies. Studies have revealed that sport is one of the most effective, least expensive, and most impactful tools at our disposal. Sport improves health, unites communities, contributes to education, and promotes inclusion., recalls the Zimbabwean. As the EU works on developing its future policies on health, equality and inclusion, Sport must remain at the heart of the debates.The update of the EU's physical activity recommendations is another opportunity to work together in order to addressing the growing challenge of sedentary lifestyles in Europe. »
Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Equity, Youth, Culture and Sport, was among those present, as were Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, President of the CNOSF, and Jean-Michel Saive, President of the COIB. The strong link that unites the Olympic Movement and the European Union reflects our shared mission to promote the values of sport, comments Spyros Capralos. Through sport, we create bonds across borders. We learn teamwork, fair play, and mutual respect. The European sporting model, based on solidarity, the autonomy of sports bodies and sporting meritIt reflects who we are as Europeans. It is our shared responsibility to preserve it. »
