” “Acknowledging "the social and economic relevance of sports"; promoting the aspects of sports that are associated with public health, education, social inclusion; supporting some sporting activities by allocating more funds. These are some of the declared objectives of the White Paper adopted by the EU Commission as the "first global initiative" in this sphere. "The objective of the White Paper it states is to provide strategic guidance on the role of sports within the European Union". Ján Figel’, responsible for this sector, explains that "it improves the visibility of sports in the development of European policies". The proposals included in the action plan, as outlined by the Executive, include: to offer new choices in the area of physical activity; "promote a coordinated European approach to the fight against doping, for instance by supporting a network of national anti-doping organisations"; giving a EU prize to those schools that proactively support physical activities; starting a survey on volunteering in the sphere of sports; improving social inclusion and integration through amateur or competitive athletics. In October, the EU Commission will arrange a conference to discuss the White Paper with the parties concerned, including national federations, sporting clubs and schools.” “” ” ” ” ” ” ” “
