On the proposal of the European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO), a special hearing was held in the European Parliament in Brussels on September 6, entitled "The Way Forward for Grassroots Sport in Europe". The event was also used to promote the #BeActive campaign and the European Week of Sport.

While the overall theme of #BeActive and the European Week of Sport is a call to action to get Europeans moving, ENGSO and partners also specifically call on decision-makers in sport to implement the Recommendations that set a European agenda for the promotion of grassroots sport.



Opening addresses were done by ENGSO President Mr Carlos Cardoso, Member of the European Parliament Mr Hannu Takkula and European Commission DG EAC Deputy Director General Mr Jens Nymand Christensen. Ms Heidi Pekkola, ENGSO Policy Director moderated the event. In the panel discussion Mr Graham Watson, EuropeActive Chair and Mrs Virginie Roziere, Member of Parliament brought up great arguments for making a convincing case about the importance, benefits and value of sport, especially grassroot sport.

Concluding remarks were made by European Lotteries President Mr Hansjoerg Holtkemeier, Member of the European Parliament Mr Hannu Takkula and Member of the Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics Mr Szabolcs Horvath.



The hearing brought some concrete suggestions in regard to the implementation of the Recommendations of the High Level Group on Grassroots Sport into the discussions on the future EU Work Plan. The mainstreaming of sport into other policy fields, which organisations like ENGSO, EUSA and others are advocating for, was also raised by the representative of the European Commission.

Countries shall understand that challenges in policy terms are similar (unemployment, inactivity, lack of solidarity, etc), that is why cross-border exchange is needed, that is why the policy-making of the European Union shall be taken into account.



Countries shall also understand that national lotteries play a crucial role in the financing of grassroots sport. That is why it is of outmost importance to establish a sound and sustainable gaming model for the benefit of society. A good balance between market and the service of society can be best reached if the liberalization of the gaming market is considered with precaution.

For more information, please see www.engso.eu.