Have your say on the EU and sport, says MEP

The Lisbon Treaty which came into force on 1st December 2009 extended the European Union’s areas of legislation to include sport.  East Midlands MEP Emma McClarkin, who is the Conservative spokesperson for sport, is urging constituents across the region to have their say on how the EU should develop and promote sport across Europe. 
 
The European Commission is developing the policy on sport and has created an online survey for people across the EU to complete.  It takes around twenty minutes and is centred on various topics such as the social and educational function of sport, the physical and moral integrity of sportspeople and volunteering in sport. 
 
The East Mids Euro MP is keen to establish how the European Parliament can assist the growth of sport and this week hosted the Women’s International Leadership Development Sports Conference.  Over 80 female sports leaders from across Europe attended the conference discussing training and funding for sportswomen across the EU.
 
Emma McClarkin MEP, who is a keen rugby supporter and sports fan having previously worked for the Rugby Football Union, comments from Brussels: 
 
“Sport is an influential part of British life. 
 
“There is a very specific nature of sport which relies heavily on volunteering at grass roots level which must be acknowledged in any EU initiatives. 
 
“If you participate in any sport from rowing to rugby, or if you are a referee or help manage a club then this is your opportunity to influence how the EU can support you. 
 
“I would encourage all across the East Midlands to fill out this survey to ensure that the European Commission develops the sport policy based on enthusiasts’ needs rather than making uninformed choices from an office desk.”