The call for proposals for "preparatory actions in the field of sport" was launched on 15 May and totals €4 million.
The EU executive is expecting public bodies and civil society organisations to submit proposals for projects which will identify and test suitable networks and good practices in four specific areas.
Support under the health-enhancing physical activity (€1.4 million) heading is dedicated to networking and best-practice exchange between the sport sector and other civil society organisations, such as schools, public authorities, municipalities and local enterprises. The aim is to strengthen the contribution of the sport sector to healthier lifestyles.
Measures proposed under education and training in sport (€1 million) are expected to promote physical activity in a school environment and encourage knowledge exchange between sport organisations and clubs involved in the training of young athletes.
Projects under sport for persons with disabilities (€1 million) should test the integration of disability sport components into mainstream sport events and the organisation of competitions bringing together athletes with and without disabilities. Here, the aim is to improve the sustainability of sport competitions for people with disabilities.
As for gender equality in sport (€0.6 million), the Commission will fund networking and best-practice exchange in view of strengthening women's access to decision-making positions in sport.
The EU executive expects to fund three to five projects per area. Depending on the area, the consortia should have partners from at least four to nine countries. EU co-financing can cover up to 80% of the total cost of the projects.
Under the 2009 proposals, the Commission will also allocate a further €1 million to supporting studies, surveys, conferences and seminars which aim to identify future sport policy actions and test the establishment and the functioning of networks and best practices in sports training, disability sports and volunteering, for example.
It will also support the organisation of the June 2009 Mediterranean Games (€1 million) and the July 2009 European Youth Olympic festival (EYOF; €1.5 million).
In a recent interview with EurActiv, EU Sports Commissioner Jan Figel' said he hoped that "tens of millions of euros per year" would be allocated to the EU's future sport programme.
