European Sports Charter
An innovative reference text for the development of sports policy in Europe
The European Sports Charter (ESC) is the Council of Europe standard which lays down the basic principles for national sports policies, allowing governments to provide their citizens with opportunities to practice sport under well-defined conditions. It inspires policy makers and provides guidance to member states on how to perfect their existing sport legislations or other policies and to develop a comprehensive framework for sport.
Objectives
Guide governments in the design and implementation of legal and policy frameworks for sport which highlight its multiple benefits and promote the values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as enshrined in the Council of Europe’s applicable standards.
Stakeholders?
Public authorities
The sports movement
Corporate and professional sectors
The current version of the Charter composed of 20 ARTICLES (7 more articles were added to the 2001 Charter) facilitates access to sport for all social groups, including through investment in infrastructure that enables all members of the community to engage in physical activity, both in and out of school; and the following elements:
Defending the idea of sport for all
"Access to sport for all is considered a fundamental right" (art. 10)
In the Charter, sport means "all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, are aimed at maintaining or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels". And "every human being has the inalienable right of access to sport in a healthy environment, inside and outside schools".
See more: Article 10
Sport to share values
Values education & sport integrity
Sport can teach values such as equality, honesty, commitment and respect. By emphasizing values education through sport, the Charter underscores the power of sport to empower people. Also, among these values, the integrity of sport implies "promoting the governance of sport in accordance with the principles of transparency, integrity, democracy, development and solidarity, which should be guaranteed by checks and balances.
See more: Articles 7 and 8
Promote the European sport charter
Support the implementation of the Charter and its monitoring
To facilitate the promotion and implementation of the Charter, States and relevant stakeholders are invited to commit to implementing the Charter in their policies, strategies and programmes and to exchange good practices and experiences. EPAS will be responsible for evaluating and promoting the progress made.
See more: Article 20
Discover the key dates of the European Sports Charter:
