Sport values remain timeless: uniting people and countries

Dear readers,

The EESC took the initiative Stronger together for sport values to endorse the values enshrined in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris from the civil society perspective. The initiative put into the spotlight the work of the Committee which has always been at the forefront of promoting sport as a positive force for nurturing healthy values across all sections of society. 

With this initiative, we would like to symbolically raise the idea of truce which was first introduced in the ancient Olympic Games in Greece, dating back to the ninth century. The truce, Ekecheiria in Greek, during the celebration of the games was a period of peace among warring city states, to allow safe participation in the games for the athletes and spectators.

Nowadays, the idea of truce seems more timely than ever given the current fragile geopolitical landscape, where conflict and political turmoil rage across Europe and in other parts of the world.

Further on, we would like to endorse sport values which remain timeless. As Nelson Mandela said, sport can create hope where once there was only despair. The values we are defending have the power to change the world and unite people and countries in a way that brings peace and harmony, where respect and friendship prevail.

In this context we launched a short campaign reflecting the three original values of excellence, respect and friendship, which have evolved over the years, taking into account persons with disabilities.

Organised civil society has advocated for the spirit of building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind, requiring mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

Articles, graphics, video messages and statements from our members saw publicity on the EESC website and EESC social media platforms since the beginning of the Paris Games. The campaign went on during the Paralympics, highlighting that this great sports celebration leaves a powerful imprint on society, echoing strong messages for equal opportunities and equal treatment.

The sport values in the Paris Games resonate deeply with the European values of freedom, peace, diversity and inclusion. These values should be the guiding principles in our everyday life, where differences and conflicts should be dealt with through dialogue and mutual respect.

The EESC, the house of organised civil society, has always stood up for these values, advocating for a more inclusive, fair and cohesive society, ensuring equality of opportunities and active participation of all its members.

#Paris2024

Respectfully yours, 

Laurenţiu Plosceanu

Vice-President for Communication