The events of the Give Sport a Say project have officially started, marking the beginning of an international journey focused on strengthening participation, inclusion, and dialogue through sport.

The first event was organised in Prague on the occasion of the TAFISA World Congress, where project partners, sport organisations, and participants from different countries came together to exchange experiences and explore how sport can serve as a platform for social engagement and community development.

On May 17, four of the seven partners involved in the Give Sport a Say project, gathered in Ghent, Belgium, to host an interactive stand during the Trek Stadsloop running event.

This initiative was one of the sixteen events planned throughout the project, which aims to harness the unique power of grassroots sport to promote European fundamental values, democracy, and human rights. The project is structured around three distinct phases, and this event was part of the first phase, entitled “Inform”. The objective of the stand was to raise participants’ awareness of EU institutions, citizens’ rights, and the future priorities of the European Union, while encouraging open dialogue and exchange.

To actively engage participants, UFEC, OPES, EU Sport Link, and EUSA developed a variety of educational and interactive activities. Frisbee challenges, Fairpong games, and board games attracted the attention of runners and visitors alike, creating opportunities to discuss young people’s vision for the future, their knowledge of EU citizens’ rights, and broader topics related to European institutions and democratic participation.

The Trek Stadsloop event itself featured three inclusive race distances: a 1 km race for the youngest participants, alongside 5 km and 10 km races open to families, recreational runners, and competitors. This diversity of participants contributed to rich and varied exchanges, all taking place in a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere. EUSA was represented by its Education Officer, Milia Molinie. 

"Give Sport a Say: give citizens a real say for the future of the EU in and through sports" project is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, within the Citizens engagement call. 

For more information on the Give Sport a Say project, please see: givesportasay.eu