European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO) organised its annual Forum between October 27 and 29, 2014. The 2014 ENGSO Forum has been held at an extraordinary venue, a ferry between Stockholm and Helsinki. The European University Sports Association (EUSA) was represented at the event by its Communications and Project Manager Mr Andrej Pisl.

The Forum this year focused on physical education and activities in schools. The event started with the European Seminar on sport policy developments in Europe. The Sport Unit of the European Commission and the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) of the Council of Europe were invited as speakers, together with other distinguished representatives.



On behalf of the European Commission, Ms Agata Dziarnowska, Policy Officer of the Sport Unit, informed the participants on current EU issues in the field of sport. The update on EPAS and the Council of Europe activities was presented by Mr Francois Tricarico, EPAS Deputy Executive Secretary.



As a reflection on the EU topics, ENGSO Sports Policy Director Ms Heidi Pekkola notified the participants on ENGSO's plans with regard to the European Week of Sport and the Council Expert Groups.



The Forum itself was structured in three different parts: Session I: "Scientific approach to physical education and activities in schools", Session II: "National and European policies", Session III: "Good practice cases around Europe" and also included a study visit to the Metropolitan Sports Academy in Helsinki. Among the presentations there was also the project of promotion of physical activity among students, project by the Swedish University Sports Federation (SAIF).



After each presentation the floor was open for discussions and comments, which made the Forum interactive and a real brainstorming experience. The Forum was also an excellent opportunity for networking with international experts, European policy-makers from the European Commission and the Council of Europe, professors, researchers and stakeholders from ENGSO member and partner organisations.



The ENGO President Mrs Birgitta Kervinen concluded the Forum by encouraging the participants to spread the news and information from the Forum among their colleagues and networks: "The only way to bring the sporting world forward is to share the latest news with our colleagues. Together we can bring the best practices towards next practices and ensure that the voice of the grassroots sports is secured in the future."



More information: www.engso.eu