On February 16, 2015, the international conference “Sport and Physical Activity for Development of the Human Capital” was organised in Riga (LAT). The conference brought together 130 participants - EU leaders in the world of sport and representatives from sports organisations from 29 European countries. European University Sports Association (EUSA) was represented on the conference by Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, Secretary General. Conference highlighted the role of grassroots sport in promoting social integration, reducing inequality and developing skills for employability

The welcome address was done by the Minister for Education and Science of Latvia, Mrs Marite Seile, who underlined the importance of both educational work with youth and urban development.



Mr Yves Le Lostecque, the Head of the Sport Unit at the European Commission, noted the opportunities for grassroots sport offered by the Erasmus+ programme. Mr Lostecque also spoke on the European Week of Sport, which will be organised in September 2015. Mr Guntis Macs, the Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Grassroots Sports Association also addressed the participants.



“Sport and Social Environment”, “Sport for the Quality of Life”, “Education and Learning through Sport” were the three thematic workshops held at the conference organised under the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU.  The conference recognised grassroots sport as a means of increasing social inclusion, decreasing inequality and developing skills that are important for employability.



During the conference, EUSA Secretary General had an opportunity to meet and discuss the future cooperation with representatives of several organisations, such as ENGSO, ENAS, ISCA, EOC EU office, ENGSO Youth, as well as with representatives of the EU commission and sports directors from EU member states.



Mr Pecovnik also met with the President of the Latvian Universities Sports Federation (LASS) Mrs Agita Abele and LASS Secretary General Ms Andra Priedniece, to discuss the activity plan of the association and 2015 EUSA events. The representative of European Universities Games 2016, Mr Nikola Vincetic, also attended the conference.



The EU Sport Directors meeting organised under the Latvian Presidency, took place a day after to discuss the results of the EU Sports Conference, the new World Anti-Doping Code of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the European Week of Sport.