The European Commission this week adopted a White Paper on sport, which focussed on the societal role of sport as well as challenges faced by the sports sector such as racism, violence and doping. It also discussed how European values on subjects such as equal opportunities and physical education could be communicated to the rest of the world, and how to facilitate admission and entry into the EU for third country sportsmen and women ahead of the 2012 Europe-hosted Olympic games.

Sport is an area of human activity that greatly interests citizens of the European Union and has enormous potential for bringing them together, reaching out to all, regardless of age or social origin," says the White Paper. Through enhancing the role of sport in education and by encouraging volunteering in sport for young people, the Commission hopes to make use of the full potential of sport as a key player in social inclusion, integration and equal opportunities. "Participation in a team, principles such as fair-play, compliance with the rules of the game, respect for others, solidarity and discipline as well as the organisation of amateur sport based on non-profit clubs and volunteering reinforce active citizenship," maintains the Action Plan.

It also proposes to make a priority of promoting of sport for its of health-giving benefits, as well as joining forces with Member States to combat doping. The illegal use of drugs to boost physical performance is something that jeopardizes European, and indeed worldwide, sport, not only undermining the image of competitive sport but posing real health threats to the individuals involved.

The fight against racism and discrimination was also high up on the agenda. Referring specifically to the racist violence seen in football, the Commission stressed its total condemnation of any kind of discrimination or violence on the grounds of gender, race, age, disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation and social or economic background.

The White Paper is the first comprehensive initiative on sport and represents both the Commission's acknowledgement of the value of sport in European society and its intention to tackle sport-related issues. Ján Figel, European Commissioner in charge of Education, Training, Culture & Youth, including Sport, said: "This White Paper is the Commission's contribution to the European debate on the importance of sport in our daily lives. It enhances the visibility of sport in EU policy-making, raises awareness of the needs and specificities of the sport sector, and identifies appropriate further action at EU level."

Walueurope
13 July 2007

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