During our digital event for EPSI members and partners, we had the opportunity to talk with the EU Commissioner in charge of Sport.
During our General Assembly, we had the pleasure to host a a special keynote speaker: the EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth including Sport, Ms. Mariya Gabriel, who affirmed once again the importance of sport and innovation for the future of the European Union and confirmed she wished to continue working with the entire European sport ecosystem represented by EPSI .
“First of all, I would like to thank EPSI for their constant promotion of sport and healthy lifestyle – Commissioner said during her speech -. It is very important for the European Commission to have a constant dialogue with organisations like EPSI and their members, since they have expertise in sport and innovation fields, topic that are very close to my heart”.
“New technologies can contribute to promote physical activity in our society, not only increasing performances, but encouraging people to practice sport too. That’s why innovation is so important and crucial. As a Commissioner , I am here to offer my support to turn innovative ideas into concrete actions. Sport is vital, and COVID-19 crisis made sport more important than ever”.
It was concluded that EPSI would continue working with her cabinet, the different Directorate Generals the Commissioner is in charge of and the European Commission DG EAC Sport Unit, to deliver tangible results in the many discussed fields, such as for instance : the Tartu Call for A Healthy Lifestyle, the European Innovation Council, the European Green Deal, Horizon Europe, the relevance of new and enhanced skills especially for young people, the digital transformation, etc.
“We are enthusiastic to deliver concrete added value for the European sport, healthy lifestyles and vitality Ecosystem” commented Alberto Bichi, EPSI Co-Executive Director, and in close coordination with the Commission but also following an important bottom up approach, so in close coordination with municipalities, regional authorities, but also regional clusters, thus the relevance of a constant interaction with Rene Wijlens as Cluster Sport & Technology Manager and EPSI Co-Executive Director, we can make things happen.