European Commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou, applauds the arrival of the Ryder Cup (photo by EPP Group)
The Ryder Cup travelled to the European Parliament in Brussels on March 30 to the parliamentary hearing on key issues facing the European sporting community.
It was presented to to the European Commissioner for Sport, Mrs Androulla Vassiliou, as a shining example of European sport, with The Ryder Cup the only major sporting event in which Europe plays as a team.
Representatives from a wide range of sports and academia presented and debated three main sporting themes at the parliamentary hearing, which was chaired by Mr Santiago Fisas Axylá, MEP, the former Spanish Minister for Sport and the Parliament's rapporteur for sport.
Firstly, the debate on the Social Dimension of Sport addressed the grassroots development of sport and highlighted successful ways in which sport can be best integrated into a secondary school curriculum.
This was followed by a debate on how sports careers can best be developed and managed, including testimonies from elite athletes from the Olympics and football.
The final session examined the most pressing issues in professional sports governance, including anti-doping policies, the protection of intellectual property and the relationship with the gambling industry, including contributions from both UEFA and FIFA.
The Ryder Cup concluded the proceedings, with a video presentation celebrating Europe's teamwork in their victory at The 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.
Watch the video here.
