Declaration of affiliation LESS4More

The purpose of this document is to create a network of organizations adhering to the promotion of sport for women and thus empowering them for a better standard in the society, based on the concept, activities and outputs of the ERASMUS+ project LESS4MORRE (Grant Agreement 101089803).

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Declaration of affiliation

Women in Recreational Sports Network

Declaration of affiliation

„Today, there is no doubt that women’s participation is essential for a healthy society in general, but for the future of sport in particular. Sport needs women and their participation, not only because they represent half of humanity, but also because they play an essential role in society and especially in passing on a love of sport to  young people. Giving them greater responsibility within the sports movement and enabling them to practise physical activity ensures that the next generation will like and practise sport, thus ensuring a better world” - Dr Jacques Rogge , former President of the International Olympic Committee.

The purpose of this document is to create a network of organizations and experts adhering to the promotion of sport for women and thus empowering them for a better standard in the society, based on the concept, activities and outputs of the ERASMUS+ project LESS4MORRE (Grant Agreement 101089803).

ACKNOWLEDGING THAT:

1. World Health OrganizationIn its recent publication, Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030, recognises as one of the most important action to take is: “Strengthen the     development     and     implementation     of     programmes and services, across various community settings, to  engage  with,  and  increase  the  opportunities  for,  physical  activity in the least active groups, as identified by each country, such   as   girls,   women,   older   adults,   rural   and   indigenous   communities,   and   vulnerable   or   marginalized   ”
2. EU Physical Activity Guidelines (Recommended Policy Actions in Support of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity) is defining physical activity as “any bodily movement associated with muscular contraction that increases energy expenditure above resting levels”.
3. The 2030Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations in 2015 has set the roadmap to achieve gender equality by 2030. The Agenda explicitly recognizes sport as an important enabler for development and women’s empowerment.
4. The European Commission, through its Strategy for equality between men and women, is acutely pointing to integration through sport for immigrant women and women from ethnic minorities.
5. The feedback of sport stakeholders regarding the implementation of EU Plan for Sport 2017-2020 shows that the Plan improved the coordination in the area of sport at EU level, introduced appropriate structures and working methods, that led to fruitful outcomes in terms of policy process, enhanced cooperation between Member States and the sport movement.
6. The current situation, as reflected by Sport Statistics 2018, shows big differences in levels of practicing sport, fitness or recreational (leisure) physical activities at least once a week, by sex, with a male dominancy and decreased participation of women in sport.
7. Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity 412 (March 2014) highlighted that the participation of girls and women in Europe in general is definitely not at the same levels as for boys and men, the new Special Eurobarometer 472 (March 2018) does not show improvement, but on the contrary.

CONSIDERING THAT:

1. There is a great need and demand in increasing women participation in sport and physical activities;
2. Sport is one of the most useful tools of social integration and active participation in social life;
3. Improving gender equality through participation and visibility of women in sport is a crucial step to achieve a real gender equality in our society;
4. There is sufficient evidence to show that people who live a physically active life can gain a number of health benefits, for example: a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, weight control, lowering the risk of obesity, maintenance and improvement in muscular strength and endurance, lower stress levels and associated improved sleep quality.

IDENTIFYING THE POTENTIAL OF:

LESS4MORRE(Erasmus+ projectGrant Agreement 101089803):

1. The project is in line with the "Healthy Life Style 4 All" campaign, which follows the "Tartu Call", stating that everyone should benefit from physical activity to improve not only their general state of physical well-being and health but also their social, emotional and psychical sphere
2. The project implemented the Council Recommendation on Health-Enhancing Physical Activity, also implementing the EU Physical Activity Guidelines and supporting the deployment of the European Week of Sport.
3. The objective of the project is conforming to the Horizontal Policy Priorities of Erasmus+ program Inclusion and diversity in all fields of education, training, youth and sport by including women from diverse backgrounds, with an accent on persons with lower income and from deprived areas, gender diversity and migrant women.
4. The activities of the project contributed greatly to increasing women participation in sport through free training stages and competitions in three feminine sports;
5. All manuals and guides issued as a result of the project are freely offered to any organization or person willing to use them as such or adapt them to particular situations or purpose;

We, the undersigned entities, voluntary and assuming no obligation, are adhering to this Women in Recreational Sports Networkfor the purpose of fostering inclusive, supportive, and empowering communities that encourages the active participation, leadership, and advancement of women in sports and physical activities. Through collaboration, shared resources, and mutual encouragement, we aim to promote wellness, build confidence, celebrate achievements, and remove barriers to participation regardless of age, background, or skill level. We perceive this network as dedicated to uplifting diverse voices, advocating for equitable access to facilities and opportunities, and inspiring a culture of lifelong engagement in sports and physical activity among women.

Geoff Caroll​