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The International Olympic Academy at the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day 2020
The International Olympic Academy at the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day 2020
On the 30th of January 2020, the 7th edition of the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day took place at the Charlemagne Building in Brussels, an initiative of the European Commission and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The International Olympic Academy (IOA) attended the event and was represented by Stella Tachtara and Gina Tsiotra, EU Programmes Project Managers.Over 500 people who represented various organisations and institutions from all over Europe attended the Sport Info Day where they had the opportunity to be informed about the political context, future programme, simplification and funding opportunities in 2020. The hosts of the event discussed policy, gave advice and tips on preparing and submitting proposals, and also gave an insight into the financial aspects of funding.The event was opened by the new Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel and the Head of Erasmus+ Department, Sophie Beernarts. The first Plenary Session of the event was: “Erasmus+: Sport, The Policy Context”, where the priorities of the Third EU Work Plan for Sport 2012–2020 were analysed and the objectives of the E+ Sport were presented.During the second Plenary Session, information was given on the submission and selection procedures. A round table on administrative and financial aspects dealt with the type of partnerships and their eligibility criteria, gave advice on the formation of partnerships and addressed common mistakes related to the submission of applications. The characteristics of what makes a good proposal were presented along with the proper financing method one should follow while applying.Three parallel sessions were held, namely: evaluation process, financial aspects and small collaborative partnerships. All three sessions were led by the experts of EACEA who not only gave detailed information on the respective topics but also answered questions and offered their advice and expertise to the participants.The final plenary session of the day was dedicated to the presentation of the Erasmus 2021–2027 plan. The general objective of the new programme along with its highlights, the actions of the programme and the budget were analysed offering an insight to a new, more inclusive and greener Erasmus programme.The conclusion remarks of the event were presented by the Head of Sport Unit – Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission and friend of the IOA, Yves Le Lostecque, who ended the event on a high note urging all attendees to submit their applications and welcoming them to attend the next edition of the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day.The highlight of the event was that all participants had the chance to network in between the sessions. It was therefore an excellent opportunity for representatives of sports and educational organisations as well as local, regional and European institutions to meet so as to make a first step towards a potential partnership. In that framework the IOA has had a series of meetings and fruitful discussions with other participants of the event which will hopefully result in future collaborations.The Erasmus+ Sport Info Day, was a very insightful and most useful educational opportunity as well as an excellent occasion in order for the International Olympic Academy to get more familiar with the Erasmus+ Sport programme and introduce itself to the European sport community as an international sports and educational organisation.We hope that the Erasmus+ Sport Info Day will become a staple event for the IOA to attend, contributing to the extension of our network and partnerships in Erasmus+ projects.
“Over 500 people who represented various organisations and institutions from all over Europe attended the Sport Info Day.”