From 21-23 November, the city of Pristina, Kosovo, became the epicentre of European sport as it hosted the 7th edition of the European Sport Platform (ESP) 2024, organised by the Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC). Under the theme ‘Values in sport: building bridges in a united Europe’, the event brought together leaders and representatives of sport organisations from across the continent to discuss the transformative power of sport in communities.
ESP 2024 started with an opening session focusing on the ‘Sport as a Value’ project and continued with panels and presentations addressing key topics such as grassroots sport development, gender equality, integrity and protection in sport. The platform was notable for its focus on the core values of sport as tools for social cohesion and strengthening communities.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS AND INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES
Among the highlights, Besim Aliti, Secretary General of the KOC, presented the vision of the Pristina 2030 Mediterranean Games, an ambitious project that reflects Kosovo’s commitment to sport development on an international level. In addition, Albanian football legend Lorik Cana gave an inspirational speech in which he shared the progress of his foundation, Lorik Cana 5, focused on promoting grassroots sport in the region.
The event was officially opened by Stefan Bergh, President of the European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation (ENGSO), who praised the organisation and hospitality of the KOC. “Sport has a remarkable power to bring communities together, promote peace and build connections. This year, the European Sport Platform has been a unique opportunity to strengthen grassroots sport in Europe,” said Bergh.
KOSOVO’S SPORTING ROLE ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
The President of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, Ismet Krasniqi, highlighted the role of sport in building Kosovo’s national identity and its impact on the unity of communities. “Our athletes proudly represent our nation and demonstrate how sport can inspire and unite not only Kosovo, but also Europe and the world,” said Krasniqi, underlining the importance of ESP 2024 as a platform to consolidate the grassroots sports movement.
For his part, Iber Alaj, Director of the Department of Sport at the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, reaffirmed the Kosovar government’s commitment to sports development. “We will make Europe stronger and more united through the language of sport,” Alaj said.
BARCELONA, NEXT HOST CITY FOR ESP 2025
The event concluded with a symbolic act in which KOC President Ismet Krasniqi handed over the ENGSO flag to Gerard Esteva, President of the Sports Union Federation of Catalonia, designating Barcelona as the next host of the European Sport Platform in 2025. This handover marks the beginning of a new phase for the platform, which will continue to foster dialogue and collaboration in European sport.
With ESP 2024, Kosovo has reaffirmed its position as a key player in international sport, using sport as a tool to build bridges, inspire communities and promote values of unity, peace and solidarity.
