Sport is a fundamental vehicle for teaching human rights and democracy. Physical education and sport that are accessible to all lead to healthier, more inclusive societies. Education in and through sport is a fundamental principle of both the Council of Europe’s European Sports Charter and the Olympic Charter.

As stated in the European Sports Charter (Article 10): “To safeguard and promote the right to sport, it is necessary to […] ensure that access to the development of physical, intellectual and ethical competences through physical education and sport is guaranteed, both within the educational system and in other aspects of social life, [and] make sure that everyone has ample opportunities to benefit from physical education and practise sport.”

The Olympic Charter (Article 2) affirms that “The IOC’s role is […] to encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education.”

On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) is devoting a series to highlight the common values of the European Sports Charter and the Olympic Charter. Each week until the end of the Games, we will focus on one aspect of these values. Follow @CoE_Sports on X to learn more!