Paul Standaert represented Panathlon International at the 2026 kick off of EWOS. This year the event took place in Dublin, organized by the Irish Presidency of the EU.
On 23 September, Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, opened the Presidency Conference and welcomed delegates from leading sport organisations, sport federations, European networks and policymaking bodies. The programme combined plenary sessions on the role of traditional sports and games (TSGs) across Europe and on sport as cultural heritage with parallel thematic sessions.
The morning sessions took place under the theme "Pathways to Growth", with a focus on diversity and on social inclusion and disability. In the afternoontvwo further parallel sessions followed, on "Sport and Changing Demographics" and on "Sustainability and Sport: The Role of Traditional Sports and Games".
Georg Hausler, Director for Culture, Creativity and Sport at the European Commission (DG EAC), and Sarah Lynch, Deputy Head of Unit at DG EAC, presented the main findings of the newly published 2026 Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity (https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3685).
During the discussions, Andrej Pisl of the EUSA Institute highlighted the European Citizens project "Give Sport a Say". The project empowers people and sporting communities by giving them a direct voice in decision-making and civic dialogue. Afterwards, participants visited Croke Park Stadium, watched a demonstration by the Irish Guild of Hurley Makers and were introduced to traditional Gaelic games.
The following day marked the opening of the European Week of Sport (23–30 September). In keeping with the #BeActive initiatives, participants took part in para-sport activities before the formal launch ceremony, moderated by Paralympic athlete Ellen Keane.
Panathlon follow-up
Georg Hausler was keynote speaker at the Panathlon Congress in Ghent earlier this year. At this conference in Dublin, Paul Standaert spoke with him about possible Erasmus+ projects between Panathlon and European and non-European partners. The EU antenna in Brussels can further develop this approach as Paul has registered for Panathlon International at the Erasmus Plus Sport Event in Brussels on December 18th.
Paul also met 2024 Olympic pommel horse gold medallist Rhys McClenagan (at his training session), as well as Paralympic gold medallist Ellen Keane who was the master of ceremony at the official start of EWOS.
Finally, contact was made with Leandro Mendes of European Lotteries to discuss possible collaboration with Panathlon International.
