The Give Sport a Say (GSAS) project activities, co-funded by the European Union through the CERV programme was a great success at the European Sport for All Games in Limerick, creating an opportunity for participants to learn more about the EU, share their views, ideas and experiences on the future of sport and physical activity in Europe.
Throughout the event, Give Sport a Say was present in a dedicated "EU Village" and at the European Conference, where participants could learn more about European sport policy while engaging in discussions and interactive activities. The focus was not only on informing participants, but, above all, on listening to them and giving them a voice.
Events such as the European Sport for All Games are particularly well suited to the Give Sport a Say approach. By bringing the project directly to where people are, we can engage with a diverse audience and gather feedback from people with different backgrounds and experiences, including those who are directly involved in sport and physical activity.
At the European Conference, we were also pleased to welcome the Europe Direct Centre Limerick, which joined us for the activities and provided participants with additional information about the European Union and opportunities for citizen engagement. The Give Sport a Say information materials will now be displayed in different libraries across Ireland, helping to reach and inform even more people about the European Union.
Many participants took the opportunity to share their ideas and perspectives on how sport can become more accessible, inclusive and sustainable. The feedback included practical suggestions such as:
"More free sport facilities so everyone can participate."
and
"More promotion of active transport and possibilities to fund cycle lanes."
The initiative also received very positive feedback from Yves Le Lostecque, former Head of the Sport Unit of the European Commission, who described the project as impressive and highlighted its strength in engaging citizens directly. This feedback underlines the added value of creating direct opportunities for citizens to contribute to European sport policy.
André Urban and Sara Massini from the project lead organisation OPES APS, together with Bart Verschueren from EU Sport Link, joined the team in Limerick and supported the Give Sport a Say activities.
The feedback, dialogues and perspectives gathered during the event will contribute to the Give Sport a Say Position Paper, which will be presented to the European Commission. The Position Paper will bring together the voices collected throughout the project and reflect the ideas and priorities expressed by participants.
The European Sport for All Games were therefore an important milestone for Give Sport a Say: providing a valuable space to connect with people, listen to their perspectives and ensure that their voices can contribute to the future of sport in Europe.
