ICSSPE attends EPAS Conference on Equality and Diversity

As a member of the Consultive Committee from the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) of the Council of Europe, ICSSPE (represented by ICSSPE’s Development Committee member Claire Boursier) attended the EPAS Conference on the 25th of July in Paris, titled “Equality and Diversity in French-speaking Sport: A Reality?”. This event, co-organized by the Council of Europe, the National Olympic Academy, and the Ministerial Delegation for French-speaking in Sport, brought together various stakeholders dedicated to combating discrimination and promoting inclusivity in sports across French-speaking countries.

The conference aimed to address and challenge various forms of discrimination and violence in sports, including gender discrimination, gender stereotyping, socio-economic discrimination, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity. The discussions highlighted the vital role of sports in fostering a more peaceful, supportive, resilient, and inclusive society.

The Council of Europe, in collaboration with the European Union, showcased innovative approaches to tackle racism and discrimination through the "Sport = Respect" campaign. This initiative aims to increase the visibility of efforts and commitments against discrimination, providing training and tools for all sports actors, including athletes, coaches, referees, leaders, fans, families, media, and communities. Additionally, the joint project “Toutes et tous ensemble” (“All of Us Together”) focuses on three pillars: data collection, promotion of good practices, and media awareness.

Key Sessions:

• Session 1: Combating Racism in Sport: This session discussed the experiences and tools implemented in French-speaking clubs and federations to fight racism. It highlighted successful strategies and shared best practices for creating inclusive sports environments.
• Session 2: Gender Equality in Sport: This session addressed the participation of women in competitions, disparities in remuneration, and the obstacles they face. The discussions emphasized the importance of promoting gender equality and ensuring equitable opportunities for women in sports.

ICSSPE’s presence at the event underscored its commitment to promoting international recommendations and best practices for combating discrimination in sports. As an international umbrella organization working closely with UNESCO, the IOC, the IPC, the WHO, and other prominent sports organizations, ICSSPE can play a pivotal role in disseminating reports, toolkits, and relevant documents through its extensive network.

By advocating for the implementation of international recommendations and promoting awareness through its platforms, ICSSPE continues to lead efforts in creating a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive world through sports.