Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) – Every year the European Union selects a theme to increase awareness among people and national institutions for a whole year. These themes have focussed on a variety of subjects ranging from protecting the environment to disadvantaged categories of the population, promotion of certain sectors of the economy etc. 1990 was the year of Tourism, 1997 Against Racism, 2001 languages. 2003 has been the year of the disabled and 2004 will be the year of Education through Sport.
The EU objectives include more cooperation between the worlds of sport and education and the affirmation of the key role of sport as a channel of education. For some time the EU has promoted sports as an opportunity for social meeting and integration, as a means to overcome discrimination and an incentive to international mobility of youth. In 2004 the aim will be to lead educational and sports organisations public and private to cooperate more and to use the values transmitted by sport, cooperation, solidarity and tolerance. Initiatives will include conferences, information campaigns, European contests and voluntary work on the occasion of the Olympic Games 2004 in Athens. (AP) (3/12/2003 Fides Service; lines: 22 words: 240)
