What are the future prospects for Sport for All associations around the world, given the present financial challenges?

This was one of the central points on the agenda for ISCA's Executive Committee when it met on March 13-15 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Having collected information on developments in a range of countries around the world, the executives concluded that in spite of the seriousness of the situation, it also provides new opportunities and possibilities.

Remaining optimistic on behalf of the Sport for All movement, the Executive Committee agreed to continue the monitoring that was begun in October 2008, and to share and give advice to members and sector stakeholders in their individually very different situations.

The Executive Committee meeting also reviewed the ISCA strategy for the coming years as well as debating the ongoing work in the Continental Committees of ISCA.

For the full agenda, click here, and for further information, contact the ISCA secretariat.  

On the grounds of Resolution CM/Res(2007)8 from May 11, 2007, the Council of Europe ventured in reorganizing its pan-European sports co-operation addressing the current challenges in the sport sector and above.

The EPAS shall provide a platform for intergovernmental sports co-operation between the public authorities of member states of the EPAS, in addition to encouraging dialogue between public authorities, sports federations and NGOs, with the aim of making sport healthier, fairer and better governed.

ISCA supports the Council of Europe in this effort and offers to contribute with its fast expertise. ISCA president, Mogens Kirkeby, points out that the “ISCA has been a very active player in the former Sports Committee of the Council and today we manifestly are waiting for a positive answer from the Directorate of Youth and Sport to join EPAS effectively.”

Read more about EPAS here.

SESC Sao Paolo and the Latin American Secretariat of ISCA hosted a networking lunch for ISCA members and interested organisations.  ISCA President Mogens Kirkeby delivered a well received presentation of a shared vision and goals for Sport for All.  “Sport for all is the most important tool in promoting active citizenship” stated Kirkeby.  This sentiment was shared by many of the participants.  Ana Moser, retired professional volleyball player, commented on the biggest challenge she faces in her work as an educator, community organizer and advocate. “Making sport politically important and recognized for education and social change is one of the most important tasks at the moment.”  

This event succeeded in attracting 35 key representatives from cross-cutting sectors related to sport  including higher education, Ministry representatives, municipalities, non-governmental sport and social agencies.  

Children, elderly and quality in training materials were some of the key interest areas discovered by Network leaders Pia Pauly (DTB) and Anders Kragh Jespersen (DGI) during the first meeting of the ISCA Health Network.  Fifteen persons from 10 organisations met from 6-8 March in Frankfurt, Germany.  Participants included project managers, organizational political leaders and voluntary professional medical advisors of grass-root sport organisations.  The meeting identified key working areas of the Network members and gave clear indications for future bi-lateral and multilateral cooperation.  

If your organisation is interested to join the Health Network, make sure to contact network leader Pia Pauly or Anders Kragh Jespersen or network facilitator Marvin Radford.

It is time to join this year's most expected Danish Sports and Culture Festival in Holbaek. DGI is happy to reach out to ISCA members and invite foreign delegations for participation.

The Fédération Internationale d’Inter-Crosse (FIIC) together with the Magyar Inter-Crosse Egyesület hereby invites you to take part in the 21st edition of the FIIC Intercrosse World Games.

Where and when?
World Games will be held in Szombathely, Hungary, July 7 to 12, 2009. Szombathely is located in western Hungary, 250 km away from the capital, Budapest. Arrival date is Tuesday, 7th of  July and departure on Sunday, the 12th of July. Accommodation in dormitory is at 5 minutes walking distance from the hall, in the center of the city. Accomodation at Hotel Claudius**** (sauna, fitness room, wi-fi internet, breakfast buffet) is at 5 minutes walking distance from the hall.

Who can attend ? & Workshops
The FIIC Intercrosse World Games is open for any player, male and female, aged 17 or older. Registrations are only accepted from official FIIC members (ISCA is FIIC member) or specially invited nations.

More information
More information on the FIIC Intercrosse World Games can be found on the organisers’ website or contact Szakaly Ferenc: szakaly@chello.hu

Play the Game’s commitment to democracy, transparency and freedom of expression in world sport made Pound team up with the sports communication organisation. The award-winning transparency in sports advocate also stressed the importance of Play the Game as an independent platform for dialogue on the future of sport.
Read more.
Visit the Play-the-Game website here.