"On 1 June last, Panathlon International was represented at the Brussels-Walloon Parliament in Brussels at the inauguration of the "European Fair play Movement" (EFPM) which from now on will have its headquarters in Brussels, the capital of Europe. I had the honor to represent our President, Pierre Zappelli.
The welcome speech was given by the Vice President of the Walloon-Brussels Parliament, Mr François Bellot. The presence of the Member of the European Parliament, Mr. Tarabella and the President of the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee, Mr. Jean-Michel Saive was much appreciated.
"European Fair play Movement" exists since 1994 and recently Philippe Houssiaux , also a Panathlete, was elected as president of this European entity.
Sport reflects the way our society works, through its values, its strengths but also its limitations.
The late Pierre de Coubertin, who always preferred an apolitical approach, gave sport the aura of universality.
Today, we must conclude that the line between sport and politics is becoming very thin and is regularly crossed. EFPM and Panathlon International have a lot in common in their promotion of values such as fair-play, respect, inclusion, etc...
The cooperation between Panathlon International and EFPM, as partners, will be more intense for the common goal. We wish EFPM every success in spreading the Fair-Play philosophy.
Patrick Van Campenhout
