Sport is at the forefront of combating stigma and prejudice among young people
Members of the European Committee of the Regions have defended the essential role of local and regional authorities in developing an inclusive sports model that is open to all, tackles social disparities and builds a more cohesive Europe at the plenary session on 30 November. In an opinion drafted by Roberto Pella (IT/EPP), mayor of Valdengo and 1st vice-president of the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI), they called for the promotion of a European sports model based on values, considering its social and educational role in fighting prejudice and promoting peace, especially among the younger generations.​
In their opinion on “Building a values-based, bottom-up European sports model: a vehicle for encouraging inclusion and social wellbeing among young”, local and regional leaders advocated the construction of a European sports model that promotes equal opportunities and access to sport for underprivileged communities and, through its innovative methods, promotes participatory democracy and strengthens democratic culture.
Local and regional leaders stressed that sport must be recognised as an essential instrument of public policy and community intervention, in which the benefits for well-being and its social dimension are taken into account alongside its economic dimension. This model should cover both professional and amateur levels and be based on financial cooperation between the players in the sector to provide equal opportunities from the lowest levels of competition.
The Committee stated that local and regional authorities play a crucial role in promoting and developing sporting activities in their communities, as they facilitate and support the many informal and independent sporting activities that account for a large part of sports participation across Europe. They, therefore, argue that, to support the development of grassroots sports in less developed regions, funding should be aligned with the specific priorities of local and regional authorities and channelled towards small-scale sports activities and infrastructure projects. This approach should prioritise outdoor infrastructure and align with Next Generation objectives.
Lastly, the EU’s regions and cities advocate the incorporation of sports-based approaches into all EU programmes for young people, aligning with the objectives of the European Year of Skills 2023.
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Rapporteur Roberto Pella (IT/EPP) said: “I am extremely satisfied with the approval of the Opinion and the high level of sharing with CoR colleagues and other EU organs’ representatives and stakeholders: through the document we have the ambition to contribute to a new innovative season for sports policies in the EU, especially towards meeting the expectations of the Next Generation EU instrument. Social generative investments are the key factor to stimulate this new approach and to promote new job opportunities, more inclusive and cohesive territories across Europe.
More information:
Sport plays a key role in the EU as a decisive factor for health that improves citizens’ individual and collective quality of life, and it has an intrinsically aggregating dimension within communities.
In 2020 the European Commission published The EU Work Plan for Sport (2021-2024). The document outlined the guidelines and objectives of the European Union on the subject of Sport and establishes as a priority: protection of integrity and values in sport and promotion of participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity.
In 2021 the Council of the EU approved a Resolution on the key features of a European Sport Model.
2023 was nominated by the European Commission as the European Year of Skills. The aim is to address skills gaps in the European Union and boost the EU skills strategy. The Year started in May and will run for 12 months.
Contact:
Ângela Machado
Tel. +32 475413158