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INTERVIEW WITH THE
HEAD OF THE EUROPEAN
COMMISSION’S SPORT UNIT
A EUSA Dinner was organised at the end of November, where several
special EUSA awards were handed out to deserving recipients who have
significantly contributed to the development and growth of the organisation.
Among the award winners was Mr Yves Le Lostecque, Head of the European
Commission’s Sport Unit, who received the EUSA Order of Merit for his
constant support and personal engagement on behalf of his institution. EUSA
had the privilege of catching up with Mr Le Lostecque, who reflected on his
award, the impact of sport on European youth, and what the future holds.
Congratulations on your EUSA
Order of Merit and thank you
for your involvement and
support. What does this award
mean to you?
It is an incredible honour to have
been awarded the EUSA Order of
Merit. Since I took up my position
of Head of the Sport Unit in
the European Commission,
it has been a pleasure to
cooperate with EUSA. We share
a common commitment to
foster grassroots sport, and to
underline the need for more
sport and physical activity in our
daily lives, including, of course, in
universities.
The current European
Multiannual Financial
Framework (MFF) is now
ending. How would you
evaluate the Erasmus+
programme, especially
related to the Sports Chapter?
I consider Erasmus+: Sport as a
success story. It has allowed us
to support thousands of projects
and to translate into concrete
actions our policy priorities.
Projects promoting social
inclusion through sport, and
sport for health in particular,
have benefited from substantial
financial support.
What can we expect from the
new programme in future?
Quite simply: the same
and even more. The future
programme will be more open
to international cooperation
and will allow us to promote
mobility of sport coaches and
staff, which was not possible
under the current programme.How would you evaluate
the progress made in the
university sport sector in
recent years, especially
regarding Dual Career?
The progress has been good,
especially since more and
more universities are showing
understanding towards Dual
Career needs and flexibility
towards athletes, respecting
their time for trainings and
competitions. We are also
receiving more and more
applications for Erasmus
projects in this field, which is
also a welcome trend.In your opinion, how important
a role does sport play in
shaping the lives of young men
and women on the continent?
It is essential: on a physical level,
of course, to improve our health,
but also on a personal level, to
promote respect, tolerance and
fair play.Having attended EUG2018 and
other events, how important do
you feel EUSA is in developing
university sport in Europe?
I am very impressed with the
work done by EUSA. You are
doing a great job at creating a
community of students around
sport.Finally, what role has sport
played in your life?
Sport is, and has always been,
my passion. Those who knowme consider that I am football
addicted, but the truth is that
I love all kinds of sports. I feel
very lucky that my function
allows me to combine this
passion and work.