The European Lotteries and the European Sports NGO (ENGSO) have joined forces again on the Erasmus+ co-funded Youth Integrity Ambassadors Programme (YIAP).
Launched on September 29, during the 2022 European Week of Sport (September 23 – 30), this new initiative between the European Lotteries and ENGSO aims to ‘empower young people’ to become sport integrity ambassadors in their communities and ‘actively promote actions at local levels’.
There is also an emphasis on ‘building a culture of identity’ within the European grassroots communities.
“Supporting sport and sharing in the same values – responsibility and integrity – is in the DNA of lotteries,” observed Olivier Alsteens, COO, Loterie Nationale Loterij, Belgium.
During a dedicated seminar ‘#BeActive for Sport Integrity’ on September 29 in Brussels, speakers highlighted the importance of youth, inclusion and integrity.
Paul Standaert, Secretary, Panathlon International EU Brussels and Board member, Belgian Gymnastics, said: “The promotion of a healthy lifestyle linked to the development of human values is our goal.
“From the very start of the European Week of Sport, Panathlon has been engaged in a partnership with the European Commission to help promote the #Beactive campaign within its network. Panathlon clubs continue to organise various activities that aim at promoting ethical values among young people.”
Over 30 young volunteers and athletes have participated in this collaboration between eight European sport organisations.
Empowering youth for a safer and cleaner sports environment has been promoted as the main message of the YIAP Programme.
“Cooperation and collaboration is a must, working together and including stakeholders from all levels – from local sport clubs and national federations to sports managers and professional athletes”, said Ugne Chmeliauskaite, Chair of ENGSO Youth.
European University Sports Association (EUSA) Project Manager Hrisitina Hristova also highlighted the importance of sport integrity within university sport and the promotion of fairness and fair play in sport competitions.
Meanwhile, Jenni Hakkinen, Project Manager for Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, emphasised why inclusion and integrity matters and the importance to champion young people as leaders in sport.
The European Lotteries and ENGSO also collaborated on last year’s European Week of Sport, with a particular focus on the importance of sport, mental health and well-being.
