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12th ENGSO General Assembly was held in Belgrade, organized by Olympic Committee of Serbia and Montenegro.

12^th ENGSO General Assembly  -  16^th-18^th April 2004
 

Before the 12^th ENGSO General Assembly in Belgrade started, delegates had the opportunity to attend a seminar on the “European Perspective of Physical Education and Sport of Youth”. This seminar was hosted by the faculty of sport science of the Belgrade University, in cooperation with the NOC of Serbia & Montenegro and ENGSO. Several experts from ENGSO countries were  closely  involved as lecturers, and the ENGSO Youth also took over an active part, introducing - among others – a  project  named ‘ARCTOS –Sport against racism’. 

At the ENGSO General Assembly  itself  the ENGSO Youth Committee presented a report and an action plan about the youth work in sports for the forthcoming year. It showed clearly that an intensive representation of interests had taken place, including lobby work to achieve admission to the European Youth Forum. Moreover,  successful co-operation in joint activities with other partners was pointed out, for instance its involvement in the EYES project  “European Crossroads:  Sport – the Front Door to Democracy”. This was  a joint action of the Council of Europe, the EU and the ENGSO Youth, as the third official partner, and would  reach its  highlight with a European Conference scheduled in Strasbourg,  May  13 - 16, 2004. 

In addition to youth issues,  the report on ENGSO policies and activities related to ‘EU and Sport’ and the action plan of the ENGSO WG for the coming year, as well as a comparative study on the development of voluntary work in sport in ENGSO member countries were of main interest for the delegates. 

The General Assembly also duly treated the formal parts, including the activity and financial reports, and decided on an  increase of the membership fees, which is needed to cover a small new budget line in support of the youth work and the introduction of a solidarity fund. Following a brainstorming on members´ expectations to ENGSO, their need of special services and support as well as their own possibilities to help ENGSO implement joint objectives,  the General Assembly adopted the list of  ENGSO priorities until 2005. 

Thanks to the excellent organization, the warm hospitality by the NOC of Serbia and Montenegro, as well as the most constructive contributions of delegates during the debates, delegates witnessed a dynamic development of  this 12^th General Assembly, also enjoying  a very pleasant by-programme. As to the city of Belgrade, it  presented  itself as a city, which has gone  back to  political normality  and starts radiating the  high spirits of its inhabitants.  

The NOC*NFS had kindly offered to host the next ENGSO FORUM in the Netherlands and will organize it in Papendal, October 22 – 24, 2004. The 13^th ENGSO General Assembly will take place in Riga (Latvia), April 14 – 17, 2005. Moreover, the Sports Federations Council of Latvia has generously offered to also organize the next  ENGSO Youth Assembly and the Youth Conference in Riga in connection with the ENGSO General Assembly. 

At the 13^th GA in Riga in April 2005, elections will be held for several functions in the Executive Committee, among them the position of  the Secretary General.  According to the Statutes, the mandate of  Marlis Rydzy-Götz (Germany) will expire, after two re-elections. ENGSO member countries are therefore invited to consider potential candidates and forward their suggestions in writing to the Executive Committee.


Marlis Rydzy-Götz
ENGSO Secretary General