Sport: Council resolution stresses key features of values-based sport model - Main contents
Today, the Council approved a resolution on the key features of a European Sport Model. The key features include a pyramidal structure, organised sport, structured on a national basis, and by one federation per sport, solidarity with lower-tier sport levels and the promotion of open competitions.
This resolution is the first agreement on key features of a European model of sport. This is a very important achievement and step forward not just for the Slovenian presidency but also for sport as such. We all know that on the one hand sport enthuses people and can bring them together, but on the other it is also an economic force and important for citizens health and wellbeing. Moreover, the success of sport in Europe is based on certain key features of a European Sport Model of which open competitions, freedom of association and a grassroots approach and solidarity are some of its main components.
Simona Kustec, Slovenian minister of Education, Science and Sport
Member states should promote values in sport and sports organisations and recognise the contribution of volunteers, grassroots sport clubs, families and local communities in the field of sport. With this resolution, ministers also pave the way for continuing discussions between member states and sport stakeholders on the key features of a European Sport Model.
The resolution also calls on the sport movement to promote solidarity among sports organisations and thus contribute to the recovery of the sport sector from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers furthermore ask the sport movement to ensure that the organisation of sport competitions comply with the principle of openness, give priority to sporting merit and respect fundamental and human rights.
Background
This resolution comes against the backdrop of increasing commercialisation of professional sport, which is making sport increasingly profit-oriented. Although this contributes to the creation of financial resources for a greater number of athletes, it is not without risk for the values of sport. The resolution considers that sport should be based on values such as good governance, safety, integrity, solidarity and the health and safety of athletes.