The 1st edition of the European Sport Platform (ESP2018) was held on November 16 and 17 in Budapest, Hungary. The event was organised by the European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO) in cooperation with the Hungarian Competitive Sport Federation (NVESZ) and supported by the European Lotteries, having the patronage of the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Mr Tibor Navracsics.

The event was attended by several representatives of European sport, including European University Sports Association (EUSA).



ESP2018 was kicked off by welcome addresses by ENGSO President Mr Carlos Cardoso, NVESZ President Mr Janos Meszaros and Hungarian Minister for Sport Ms Tunde Szabo.



Over the two days, presentations and discussions centred on the future of sports clubs and the role of esports in European sport, keeping in focus the innovations and emerging trends and challenges.



The event was moderated by ENGSO Secretary General Mr Stefan Bergh and Policy Director Ms Kaisa Larjomaa.



On day one, discussions centred on innovations and emerging trends for sports clubs in the 21st century. Sport Director of the Swedish Sports Confederation Mr Peter Mattsson was the keynote speaker who introduced the topic of sports clubs of the modern era. A session followed on sports clubs for health and inclusion, featuring also a case study Sport Clubs for Health.



The first day continued with a session on joining forces to tackle manipulation in spore and sport volunteers as builders of communities.



Special focus was then given on esports, offering a general introduction, a personal success story and the future outlooks.



On day two, participants discussed how esports intersect with modern sports clubs, though a set of presentations, round tables and open debates.



European University Sports Association was represented at the event by the EUSA Student Commission Chair and Executive Committee Member Ms Anna Edes, together with EUSA Communications and Projects Manager Mr Andrej Pisl. They also took the opportunity to meet in Budapest with ENGSO and ENGSO Youth representatives, as well as other partners.

For more information about the European Sport Platform, please see www.engso.eu.

(Photos by Nándor Vörös / Hungarian Competitive Sport Federation)