Samaranch urged European leaders to invest in sport to “save lives”

Juan Antonio Samaranch Salisachsvice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), urged European sports leaders to allocate more financial resources because “My premise is a good idea, but also simple. Money dedicated to sport should not be seen as an expense of national governments; “Money dedicated to sports should be seen as an investment in the health of our fellow human beings.”

Samaranch Salisachs, who is one of the candidates to replace German Thomas Bach In the presidency of the IOC, he spoke at the International Conference of Sports Leaders, held in Budapest on the occasion of the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“The way we live our lives is harmful to our health and our planet,” he means, referring to a sedentary or bad eating habit, among other favors that hinder health.

“In Europe, our spending on sport is around 3% of our €2 trillion healthcare budget. If every person in Europe met the minimum WHO physical activity standard of 150 minutes of activity per week, we could literally save 7-10% of healthcare costs, or €140-200 billion.” .

And, he stressed, action means “healthier, happier and more productive people. Money. In other words: sport saves lives.”

Samaranch Salisachs concluded by emphasizing the power of sport and Olympic values. “Sport has the power to improve the world but we cannot ignore it. This happens because the bonds that bind us are based on the universal Olympic values ​​​​of Excellence, Respect and Friendship. We need mutual respect one now more than ever. The world is reeling under the erosion of political, commercial and cultural tribalism.”