Ján Figel' welcomes the works of UNESCO on sport

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisations) held its 4th International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials responsible for Physical Education and Sports (MINEPS IV) in Vouliagmenis (Greece) on 6-8 December.

The EU's Member States and the Dutch Presidency participated actively in this meeting. Three major issues were addressed by the delegates : UNESCO's draft anti-doping convention, a draft strategy on physical education and the issue of women in sport.

Commissioner Ján Figel', whose portfolio includes sport, welcomed the works of delegates : "According to a recent Eurobarometer, the fight against doping is a priority for a huge majority of Europeans and UNESCO's draft convention is good news for everyone involved in that cause. The draft will be presented at the UNESCO's general conference in September 2005 and ratifications will start after that date". Commissioner Figel' also greeted the choice by the United Nations to make 2005 its "International Year of Sport and Physical education". "This concept is very similar to that of the European Year of Education through Sport which the EU has been celebrating throughout this year", said the Commissioner. "We would be happy to share our experiences from EYES with actors at the international level."

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