WASHINGTON, USA – The Organization of American States (OAS) and ACES Europa – a non-profit organization based in Brussels- agreed Monday to work together in the cities and communities of the hemisphere to promote greater social cohesion through sport.
OAS secretary-general Luis Almagro highlighted the work of ACES Europa because “they start from a perspective that connects sport as an important complement to people’s health and also with the promotion of access to rights.” “Sport has the potential to unite us, to promote community in an increasingly polarized world. When we wear the same shirt, we share a common nature that transcends borders, race, nationality and social status,” added secretary-general Almagro.
For his part, ACES Europa secretary-general Hugo Alonso stressed that the agreement with the OAS constitutes “a leap in quality with the Western Hemisphere” after 20 years of experience with a network of 3,000 cities and with partners such as the European Commission and Unesco.
“Our work is based on promoting the good work that we encourage in citizens through physical activity and the practice of sport. This agreement will allow us to partner with the OAS in different activities related to sport,” added the ACES Europa representative.
The agreement foresees several joint activities in the Hemisphere, such as seminars and forums to promote sports. Likewise, in July of this year, the Pan-American Sports Meeting will be held in the Mexican city of León, where the launching of the Inter-American Sports Week will be announced from September 23 to 30 of each year, with the participation of the OAS and ACES Europa.
