The Council of Europe’s Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) held its 2025 Diversity Conference on 21 October in hybbrid mode - at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg and online, focusing on the theme “Sport and Intergenerational Challenges for Young People and Older Persons.”

The event brought together policymakers, sports organisations, and experts to discuss how sport can unite generations and promote inclusion across Europe.

The conference aimed to tackle persistent barriers preventing both youth and older adults from engaging in sport, such as lack of access, socio-economic inequalities, health limitations, and cultural stereotypes. Participants shared success stories and explored scalable models, from youth-led community programmes to senior fitness initiatives - that encourage participation and solidarity between generations.

Speakers included Hanne Juncher, Director, Directorate of Security, Integrity and Rule of Law, Council of Europe, Solène Charuau, Chair of the EPAS Governing Board, Council of Europe, Luca Wernert, Vice Chair of ENGSO Youth & Board member of the German Sports Youth and Cor Spreeuwenberg, Vice-president of the European Seniors' Union (ESU) with contributions from athletes and experts such as Ana Japaridze, Paralympic Medallist and Youth European Games Champion, and Jean-Michel Oprendek, Former National Technical Director of the French Fencing Federation (FFE) and senior sports expert with the French Ministry of Sports and the French National Olympic Committee (CNOSF). The programme featured interactive panels on youth engagement, senior participation, and intergenerational collaboration, alongside a walking football demonstration.

Building on European frameworks such as the European Sports Charter (2021) and the Youth Sector Strategy 2030, the conference sought to turn analysis into action. It culminated in practical recommendations, an online compendium of best practices, and a roadmap for inclusive sports policies.

EUSA is a proud member of the EPAS Consultative Committee, and the topic of intergenerational cooperation has been recognised also within the organisation and its activities. A practical demonstration is the Medal of Appreciation and Volunteer Award, given to Dorota Luczak-Dydowicz from Poland, whose enthusiasm, professionalism, and energy shone during several EUSA events done the past three years in a row.

By promoting inclusive, age-friendly sport environments, the conference reaffirmed the Council of Europe’s commitment to a shared vision of “Sport for All”- where everyone, regardless of age (and other characteristics) can participate, connect, and thrive.

More information about the conference can be found here.