Debates

Tuesday, 13 November 2007 - Strasbourg

The Role of Sport in Education

Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE ), - I wholeheartedly give my backing to the Schmitt report on the role of sport in education. The encouragement of sports participation amongst our young people is vital in a number of areas; sporting activities promote not only the obvious health benefits amongst the population but also contribute to social inclusion objectives, a sense of community and national and European cohesion.

My own country, Scotland, has one of the worst health records in Europe. However recent Scottish sporting successes, including Glasgow’s success in securing the 2014 Commonwealth Games, have captured the imagination of the population. It is to be hoped that these successes can be channelled in a positive way and that Scotland can lose its “sick man” tag and become an example in Europe of how sport can be used for the maximum benefit of the community.