Brussels, 23rd July 2024 – Celebrating the occasion of the opening of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, Europe - Asia Center has as part of the East-Meets-West series hosted a Webinar titled “Olympic Values of Excellence, Respect, and Friendship: the Power of Olympics Games for Promoting People-to-People Exchanges and Mobilizing Climate Action”. The webinar conveyed an esteemed panel of experts, Olympians, and leaders providing their insights on the different values sports and the Olympics spirit bring, as well as the impact sports can have on a societal level.
Sports diplomacy is a new term that describes an old practice: the unique power of sport to bring people, nations, and communities closer together via a shared love of physical pursuits. Through sport diplomacy is not new, the power of sport has never been more important for our current century – both for strengthening the fragmented people-to-people dialogue platforms and for mobilization of societies in pursuit for climate action.
Moreover, the Olympic Games embody a set of values that transcend borders and cultures. Excellence, respect, and friendship are at the core of the Olympic movement, inspiring individuals and communities worldwide. In the same spirit of inclusivity, the Special Olympics promote acceptance, understanding, and unity for individuals with disabilities, demonstrating the power of sports to foster inclusion and diversity.
In a world plagued by conflict, war, rhetoric, and division, the global community requires a counternarrative – one built on the belief that through sustained dialogue and cooperation, important progress can be made to empower those most on the margins, and make sure that no individual and country is left behind in the global fight against climate change. This approach can usher in an era of inclusive development that celebrates solidarity, unity, and mutual understanding, characterised by a shared commitment of all stakeholders towards the full achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).
Opening the webinar, Mr. Matic Gajšek (Director for Europe, Europe – Asia Center) highlighted the significance of sports diplomacy in the era of regional tensions and conflict escalations, as well as pressing global battle against the climate change impact.
H.E. Erik Solheim, Co-Chair of the board at the Europe-Asia Center and former UN Deputy Secretary-General, emphasized Norway's prowess in sports and the transformative potential of sports in promoting green lifestyles and social inclusion. The discussion touched on various aspects of Norway's holistic approach to sports and its implications for global unity and environmental advocacy.
Solheim began by showcasing Norway's remarkable achievements in sports, noting, that Norway has gained more gold medals per capita than any other nation in the world. This success can be traced to the deeply rooted sports culture in Norway and Norwegians engaging in multiple sports from a young age.
Highlighting the unique role of sports in society, Solheim underscored its potential as a platform for environmental advocacy. "Sport has a huge advocacy role in society. Athletes can use their platforms to promote green lifestyles and sustainable practices," he stated. He emphasized the importance of integrating eco-friendly measures into sports events, such as minimizing plastic usage and ensuring environmentally sustainable venues.
Reflecting on the upcoming Paris Olympics, Solheim praised the city's efforts to make the event a showcase for green progress. "Paris has been drastically transformed with various green developments, and the Olympics will highlight these advancements. The clean-up of the Seine for swimming events is a testament to the city's commitment to environmental sustainability."
Addressing the broader impact of sports on global unity, Solheim highlighted the historical significance of the Olympics in fostering international cooperation.
"The Olympics have always been a platform for bringing nations together, even amidst geopolitical tensions. We should be cautious about boycotts and instead use sports as a tool to resolve issues and build a global community." - Erik Solheim
Solheim also touched on the importance of inclusivity in sports, praising Norway's efforts to include people with disabilities through initiatives like the Special Olympics. "Sports can be a powerful tool for social inclusion, offering everyone the opportunity to participate and achieve."
The conversation concluded with a focus on the Olympic refugee team, showcasing the event's potential to raise awareness about global challenges. "Highlighting the fate of refugees through the Olympic platform strengthens global awareness and empathy towards their plight," Solheim remarked.
Mr Inge Andersen, former Secretary General of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports and current Chairman of the Norwegian School of Elite Sports, highlights the exceptional achievements and foundational principles of Norway’s sport model. Renowned for its prowess in winter sports, Norway has emerged as a dominant force in summer sports, exemplified by the nation's strong medal prospects for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Over Andersen’s 13-year tenure, Norway won an impressive 91 Olympic medals and 41 Paralympic medals. This success is attributed to a value-based approach emphasizing the joy of sport for all, health, honesty, and community. A cornerstone of this model is the "Children's Right in Sport" document, ensuring nearly universal participation among Norwegian children and fostering a holistic sporting environment. Central to Norway's sporting success is the integration of elite sports with education. Fourteen schools across Norway, staffed by 400 coaches and trainers, support young athletes aged 15-18, ensuring they receive a balanced development in both academics and sports.
This holistic approach not only nurtures world-class athletes but also emphasizes social qualities and team cohesion, critical to the nation's success. Norway’s inclusive philosophy extends to all levels of competition, with equal opportunities for Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics athletes. Among the many athletes who have thrived under this system is Manchester City football star Erling Haaland, whose development from a small club in Norway to international stardom epitomizes the success of Norway's sports model. Andersen’s insights reveal a sports system rooted in democratic values and holistic development, setting a global standard for sporting excellence and inclusivity.
“This platform is important that all our elite athletes also have a good education. That is a part of the whole holistic thinking in the Norwegian sport model. In Norwegian sport everyone are equal. All dreams are equal.”- Inge Andersen
Mr. David Evangelista as President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, expressed the importance of inclusion. Once viewed as a universally peripheral concern, inclusion has now become a central theme in global development, emphasized by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the motto of leaving no one behind. Evangelista highlighted the significant challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities, including low employment rates, limited access to education and healthcare, and social isolation, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, aims to empower individuals with disabilities through sport, fostering dignity and a sense of belonging. With over 5 million athletes across 190 nations, the Special Olympics collaborates with national governments, the private sector, and global organizations to promote inclusive sports and embed these values in communities worldwide.
Evangelista emphasized that these athletes epitomize the Olympic spirit, demonstrating grit, courage, and determination. The Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, engages national governments to finance inclusive sports initiatives. This coalition has garnered support from various UN agencies and national governments, illustrating the impact of sports diplomacy in fostering inclusion and community unity. As the global community prepares to celebrate athletes in Paris, Evangelista urged the world to recognize the contributions of Special Olympics athletes to the Olympic tradition and broader societal inclusion.
“These are athletes that embody the very best of the Olympic spirit, grit, courage, determination, and a commitment to not only be the best, but more importantly, to do their best.”- David Evangelista
Peter Kavzer, an esteemed Slovenian slalom canoeist and Olympic medallist, has competed in four Olympic Games since 2008 in Beijing and will mark his fifth participation in Paris. Peter embodies the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. He emphasizes the importance of these values in his training and competition, noting the camaraderie and mutual respect among athletes, which define the true spirit of the Olympics. Peter also highlights the evolution of his role as a sports ambassador for Slovenia. He recounts his pride in being the flag bearer at the London Olympics, a testament to his dedication and Honor.
Throughout his career, Peter has aimed to inspire younger generations, teaching them the significance of perseverance, sportsmanship, and the broader values beyond just winning. As an advocate for environmental awareness, Peter speaks passionately about climate action, stressing the importance of preserving our natural resources. He calls for collective efforts to mitigate climate change, underscoring the critical role water plays in our lives and the necessity to protect it for future generations.
“[…] When I was young, you know, I was watching all the other good paddlers. I wanted to be like them. I chased my dreams and slowly progress over the years. […] the better you get, more experienced you get, more modest you are, you know you respect each other all the athletes and this is what I'm trying to teach also younger kids” - Peter Kavzer
Dr. Øyvind B. Sandbakk, as the newly appointed Director at the Norwegian School of Elite Sports Research, shared insights on the holistic development of athletes and the role of sports in fostering future leaders. Sandbakk, will oversee more than 30 sports across 14 schools in Norway. Emphasizing the importance of sports in all stages of life, Sandbakk highlighted its impact on physical and mental health and the sense of community it fosters across diverse groups. He proudly noted that more than half of Norway's Olympic champions have emerged from these schools, underscoring the institution's commitment to excellence. Sandbakk stressed the significance of integrating education with elite sports training, aiming to develop not only top athletes but also future leaders equipped with mental skills, team-building abilities, and strong values. He advocated for the conscious development of athletes who can make substantial contributions to society in various leadership roles, including business and politics. Reflecting on climate change and global development, Sandbakk called for sports organizations to cultivate environmental consciousness and responsible decision-making among athletes. This holistic approach ensures that future sports stars and leaders carry forward values that positively impact society and the environment.
“[…] We do really hope that we not only develop the future stars, although we know that tore than half of our Olympic champions comes from our schools, but also future leaders.” - Øyvind B. Sandbakk
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Jonathan Schwestka, Project Coordinator, Europe – Asia Center