Integrity Group Opens Doors In Brussels

The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) inaugurated its new office in Brussels on September 26 by hosting a discussion on the role of the European Union in safeguarding the integrity of sport.

Marisa Fernandez-Esteban, Deputy Head of the Sport Unit at the European Commission, told participants that the Commission sees protecting integrity as an area of fundamental importance. She said: “Last year 16 million people participated in events across Europe as part of the European Commission’s drive to promote active living during the European Commission’s Week of Sport. Good governance is a pre-condition for providing financial support to sports governing bodies. Achieving good governance is an ongoing process and is fundamental for sport.”

Former UK Minister of Sport Richard Caborn (in photo) said: “Do not underestimate the power of Europe to develop sport integrity. As a former minister of Sport in the UK I understand how sport can be used to deliver what other departments couldn’t: education; health and social inclusion.”

Antonio Silva, former Director in the Directorate-General of Education & Culture in the European Commission, welcomed the opening of the new Representation Office. “I commend SIGA for the hard work over the last three years. You have created a remarkable framework for sports integrity and the European Commission has the good intentions – now is a time for synergies and collaboration between both.”

Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, CEO of SIGA said: “The EU has come a long way in recent years to put more emphasis on the role of sport to achieve it’s political, economic and cultural objectives. Its new Sport Action Plan 2017-2020 provides a vehicle for making further progress, and SIGA is well positioned to complement this work through its convening power, thought leadership and constructive collaboration.”