“We work for and for the Europe of the people, which offers opportunities and provides answers to the challenges of citizens”
MADRID, 23 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of the Higher Sports Council (CSD), Víctor Francos, inaugurated this Saturday in the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia the European Sports Week, which this year is celebrated from September 23 to 30, an initiative of the European Commission to combat sedentary lifestyle and promote physical activity among the population, held simultaneously in about 40 countries.
“The objective of the European Sports Week is to raise awareness about the need to incorporate physical activity into our lives and the acquisition of healthy habits when it comes to eating,” said Francos.
According to the latest edition of the Eurobarometer, four out of ten Europeans never practice sports, data that underlines the need to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among the European population. “Physical activity is essential for complete development and to prevent health problems,” he added.
The inauguration of the 2023 European Sports Week has taken place within the framework of the program of activities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which has been taking place since Thursday in Valencia. Among them, the meeting of the Directors General of Sports of the European Union and the Conference on Safe Environments in Sports.
The inauguration included sports activities throughout the morning at the BeActive Village, in the old bed of the Turia River, starting at 8:00 in the morning with the Ploggin race, which combines sports circuits for all ages with environmental conservation, and has continued with a Fit Kid exhibition, a sport that combines dance with gymnastic exercises and acrobatics.
On the other hand, Francos closed the second day of activities linked to the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union with an institutional speech before the General Directors of Sports of the member countries. “We work for and for the Europe of the people, the one that meets their needs, their demands, the one that offers opportunities and also answers to the challenges of citizens and also their environment, the one that anticipates, in short, the future,” said the president of the CSD.
“The Spanish Presidency of the European Union promotes sport as a fundamental aspect in European society, as an engine of transformation, employment, progress and development, as well as a tool of inclusion and cohesion, generator of freedom, respect and tolerance,” he added, later of the meetings held since Thursday where emphasis was placed on gender equality in sport, practicing sports in safe environments and the eradication of hate speech.
“This Government has acquired the commitment to build a sport and a society with equal opportunities. That must be a common and shared objective,” said Francos. In addition, the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia hosted the Safe Environments in Sports conference, organized by the Higher Sports Council (CSD).
The basic objective is to establish synergies to advance a sport, both professional and grassroots, that is carried out in a safe environment, governed by tolerance, respect and diversity. Experts and community and national authorities participated in the meeting, who presented and analyzed the strategies to eradicate hate speech in sport, “the seed of subsequent violent incidents, as well as mechanisms for the protection of children and the prevention of sexual abuse.” and harassment in the sports field”.