Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-06-04-Speech-3-316"
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"en.20030604.10.3-316"2
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"Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, it is clear that we have a long way to go towards reaching a situation in which women regularly undertake a physical activity. Sport is of fundamental importance to our society. It is an all-embracing means of increasing understanding that transcends barriers of language, nationality, religion and colour. As the Olympic Games of 2004 draw nearer, sport is a wonderful means of promoting peace in the world.
Participating in sport is like being a member of a big family. Consequently, women should never be excluded and their interests should never be sidelined. We must take both horizontal and vertical action to promote equality of access to sport for women. In other words, we must develop sport for women and girls at all levels. We must develop sport in schools, sport as a leisure activity and sport at a competitive level. We also think it is important to target all groups of women and especially those who are less able to access sport because of their lifestyle or their status.
Sport in schools involves more than just learning sports. It involves developing the role young people will play in society in future. Given the reticence of those young girls who drop out of sport, it is also essential to ensure young girls are more enthusiastic about doing sport. Sport is therefore about achieving emancipation and autonomy. As for sport as a leisure activity, it is clear that for many women, sport is an optional extra, that can only be considered after work, children, housework and family leisure activities. We are only too aware of the consequences this has on women’s health. In addition, our sports facilities do not always allow young women and women to participate in sport at a convenient time. Services such as childcare are not always available.
Lastly, sport is also a profession and a means of earning a living. Sports authorities and top sportspeople must therefore respect the current rules on the free movement of people and the provision of services. Women are in a minority in top-level sport and they are role models for young people. In order to encourage young girls to participate in sport, these sportswomen need to be in the public eye. In television programmes for example, they should not be relegated to second place, only appearing after other items.
Being involved in sport at the highest level entails many significant physical changes that have an impact on the health and future life of participants. It is important to undertake specific studies on the effects of top-level sport on the health of women. Specific physical training should also be provided for women. Lastly, it is important that women are represented in all sports regardless of the level or reason for pursuing a particular sport. It is also essential to allow women to act as referees and umpires and to ensure both genders are represented on medical and selection committees.
Our initiative should allow women to participate in a sporting activity on a regular basis, and gives special consideration to the case of disabled women, and also to the case of older women. Sport is of course an excellent means of self-development and rehabilitation. It also promotes the social integration of people of all ages, solidarity and allows people to exceed their expectations. Sport must be promoted. It will enhance our society and ensure the well-being of all. I would therefore like to conclude by thanking Mrs Fraisse and the Commission for the interest they have shown in this issue."@en1
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