I am a representative of the European Physical Education Association (EUPEA). We are the overarching association that brings together all the physical education associations of the member countries of the European Community.
Our conference highlights the importance of sport in our societies and without doubt, Sport is certainly one of the most popular areas of human culture in the world.
SPORT is recognised as an important link between those who PARTICIPATE IN it and those who watch it. PLAYING sport brings fundamental educational dimensions to modern society and has a positive impact on our lives.
However, unfortunately research tells us that children and young people have unequal access to sport, physical activity and physical education, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds, those with either physical or intellectual disabilities and females.
I heard this morning many times that it’s necessary to change the rules to adapt with the situation. We have an urgent need to tackle the increase in sedentary lifestyles among young people.
Europe has a duty in this world to set an example of good practice and propose at this conference of sports ministers to follow the recommendation of the latest unesco report by offering at least 3 hours of physical education for all pupils in every country. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/paris-2024-unesco-calls-countries-invest-far-more-physical-education
To try and reduce these inequalities, compulsory physical education at school is very important. all children have the possibility to practice at least once per week.
We are talking about collaborative governance with no discussion about the necessary and important link between the world of sport and physical education, however the european charter mentions the importance of physical education as a key to developing access to sport for all.
By reaffirming the importance of developing physical education as a fundamental right, as underlined by Unesco, the world of sport and physical education must create opportunities for discussion and exchange.
We must take an important step towards changing the rules of sports governance by creating a space for work and exchange on sports policies. indeed, inside the sport movement in a place for pe and sport to work together and not just in a spirit of competition as we sometimes see.
website: https://www.coe.int/fr/web/sport/18th-conference-of-ministers