Young Europeans propose 'free taster sessions' for sports
At their annual gathering last December, young Europeans outlined their views on how to put the European Commission's planned EU sport policy into practice. Measures discussed included the possibility of offering youngsters free sessions to try out various sports, and creating a structured EU and national framework for volunteering in sport.
The European Youth and Sport Forum (EYSF) 2008, which took place under the watch of the French EU Presidency late last year, adopted a declaration summarising recommendations and actions for implementing an EU sports policy. It also produced a good practice guide highlighting examples of projects already underway in the field of youth sport in Europe.
The 'Pink Paper Declaration' constitutes the response of European youth to the Commission's White Paper on Sport and Action Plan, which detail future EU action in the sports arena. It addresses issues ranging from volunteering and education to racism, social inclusion, public health and sustainable development.
Its recommendations include offering "free taster sessions for children and young people to try various sports," continued professional development of teachers, the use of Web 2.0 applications and social networking to spread messages of social inclusion, enabling doctors to prescribe physical activity as part of prevention and treatment processes, promoting public health and creating a specific label for sports clubs involved in sustainable development activites.
The EYSF 2008 declaration also urges governments and NGOs to use multicultural tools in sports and physical education to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Young Europeans also called for the establishment of a "united system of promotion, support and recognition for volunteering in Europe" to structure and organise volunteering opportunities. They also want volunteering to be recognised and accredited within formal and non-formal education.
European sports NGOs are currently calling on the EU institutions to declare 2011 the 'European Year of Volunteering' to raise awareness of its societal role, stessing the crucial role played by volunteers not only in organising sporting activities but also in allowing other areas of society to function.
The EYSF 2008 recommendations highlighting the contribution of youth to the world of sport are expected to be discussed by EU sports directors and ministers in charge of youth under the Czech EU Presidency. The organisers hope that they will "influence future European and national agendas".
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