Brussels, 06/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - A Eurobarometer survey shows that the practice and image of sport in the European Union receives much support from citizens, who also support the development of sports activities in the Union. The survey was conducted in October in the 25 Member States. The survey stresses that European public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of the objectives pursued through the programme for the Year, notably the importance of sport in conveying certain essential values such as team spirit, discipline and comradeship (EUROPE 4 December p 16). The people interviewed reasserted their desire to see sport feature more prominently in the school curriculum. Finally, 62% of Europeans feel that there is a case for a reference to sport being included in the Constitutional Treaty. The survey consists of four parts:
1) The practice of sport in the European Union: Some 4 out of 10 people do sport at least once a week. The Scandinavians are the most “sporty”. Lack of time is the main reason given for not doing sport, whereas the cost or the lack of facilities is seldom mentioned;
2) The benefits of sport: the main benefits of sport are perceived primarily in terms of improved physical and psychological wellbeing. 90% of those interviewed feel these benefits to be particularly significant in the drive against obesity;
3) The social dimension of sport: Team spirit (52%) and discipline (46%) top the list of values which sport develops best. Nearly 3 out of 4 Europeans see sport as a means of promoting the integration of immigrants. 4 out of 5 people interviewed are in favour of seeing sport feature more prominently in the school curriculum. Almost 86% consider the practice of a sport as a sufficiently attractive alternative to indoor pursuits such as television, video games and the Internet;
4) The European Union and sport: The greatest level of expectation from the European Union is in the fight against doping (the EEEP recently held a hearing on this scourge: EUROPE 1 December p 14). Two out of three people interviewed agree that the Union should take action to ensure that the worlds of education and sport work together. 62% of Europeans feel that there is a case for a reference to sport to be included in the future European Constitution. If the draft constitution is ultimately ratified, the Union will have a legal basis for action which draws on the social, educational and cultural dimensions of sport. The results of the executive summary of this survey can be consulted on: (http: //europa.eu.int/comm/public_opinion/index_en.htm).