Tuesday 23 March 2021 saw the ISF take part in the 8th edition of the ErasmusPlus Sport Info Day, a two-day event covering the mornings of the 23 and 24 March, organised by the European Commission (EC) and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
The purpose of the two-day event was to inform potential applicants about the future programme, its simplification, and the funding opportunities in 2021. Furthermore, speakers on the panels discussed policy and gave advice on preparing and submitting proposals, and on the financial aspects of funding. The occasion was also an opportunity to network and establish contact with potential partners, with the event allowing for online interaction between participants.
The first day begun with the opening words from Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth and Marc Tarabella, Member of the European Parliament.
Mariya Gabriel: "From grassroots to professional, ErasmusPlus is key to supporting sport in the future. For the first time ever, the new programme will enable sport staff to carry out a mobility period abroad as individuals. It will be more open for international cooperation."
Marc Tarabella: “ErasmusPlus is at the heart of the EU project, as it materialises for students the freedom of movement. Now the objective is to have 10 million people moving around, as much as in the previous 30 years."
The ISF has participated within the framework of ErasmusPlus activities for several years now. It was therefore a great honour for the ISF to be invited as a speaker on the second panel of the first day of the event, represented by ISF Director of Marketing and Communication, Romain Fermon.
The importance of the ErasmusPlus Sport Programme in its strong contribution to the ISF achieving its vision and objectives regarding inclusion, diversity, and health through school sport, was emphasised. Therefore, the ErasmusPlus Sport supported event ISF She Runs – Active Girls’ Lead was presented during the panel, which specifically focuses on these crucial topics, promoting engagement in physical activity, development of leadership skills, and empowerment, of girl students.
Furthermore, Mr Fermon took the opportunity to talk about how She Runs has an important role towards the dimension of social innovation, allowing the opportunity for girls to develop socially, and participate in civic engagement through sport. Additionally, the event has incorporated an objective of environmental importance, educating girls on the importance of the environment and sustainability.
Romain Fermon: “We see that this event (She Runs) is also impacting the strategies of host city decision makers, by implementing this project with various stakeholders as well as local decision makers, we have an all-round impact as the event serves the promotion of these crucial matters both locally and internationally.”
The event She Runs – Active Girls’ Lead is directly linked to priorities focused on by the ErasmusPlus Sport Programme. Promoting physical activity and leadership through sport, whilst integrating educational activities within its core, the event provides opportunity for development and learning. Since its inaugural event in 2019, sustainability has also been a priority of She Runs, reinforcing its collaboration with VinylPlus, the sustainability programme of the European PVC industry to promote and educate young people and especially girls on global issues such as sustainable development and the importance to have a circular economy. With this, the ISF and VinylPlus developed an Environmental Action, so as to emphasise and promote the importance of sustainable sporting events.
For more information on She Runs, visit the event webpage: sheruns.eu
Both days of the ErasmusPlus Sport Info Day were streamed online. Should you wish to revisit the broadcasts, the event agenda, information and video links are available at Erasmus+ Sports Info Day - Information
Following the first day of the ErasmusPlus Sport Info Day, ISF President Laurent Petrynka met with the European Commission’s Head of Unit for Sport Florencia Van Houdt, to continue discussing the ISF’s cooperation with the European Commission, and further explore how the ISF can continue to support European Commission policies for education as well as youth and sport.
