Panagiotis Tzovolos represented E.F.O.E.P.A. at the meeting of the E.O.E. on key issues of Greek sports

The long-hour meeting of the sports federations with the EOE was aimed at a fruitful dialogue on the key issues that affect the operation of the Federations and the overall course of sports in our country.

The president of the EOE, Isidoros Kouvelos, and the general secretary, Stefanos Handakas, discussed with the representatives of the Federations, and the president of the Board of Directors, Panagiotis Tzovolos, was present from the Table Tennis Federation.

Each of the 29 federations that attended presented their problems and submitted proposals. At the same time, he emphasized the valuable support of the Olympic Committee, while Isidoros Kouvelos made important announcements, stressing that the EOE will continue to help the federations on a financial and logistical level.

The head of the administration of E.F.O.E.P.A. in his speech he first announced the success of the National Men’s team to qualify for the “16” of the Zadar European Championship and at the same time ensure its presence at the 2026 World Championship. He received applause from those present and on the occasion he pointed out again that the sport is both a team and an individual sport.

Also, important issues that were briefly mentioned by Panagiotis Tzovolos and will be sent to the EOE with a memorandum in detail, are: The need for timely approval of the budget

The underfunding of the federations

The prediction and help for training center

The improvement of sports law in the modern era

The improvement of Kouros

Personnel and legislation issues. Finally, he agreed to many other issues raised by the speakers.

Indicatively, the EOE in matters for general discussion had:

– The funding of the Federations – search for a stable, fair and transparent resource allocation framework.

– The changes in the law on the formation of the Boards of Directors of unions and federations – effects on the operation and proposals for adaptation.

– The legislative regulations that make it difficult for the federations to operate – identification of problems and suggestions for effective improvements.

– The difficulties with the use and licensing of sports facilities – need for a common framework for operation, maintenance and management.

– The issues of elite athletes – licensing, competitive privileges and updating the criteria for creating new elites, in order to ensure meritocracy and consistency.

– The Olympic Regions program – ways in which this initiative can support federations and develop sport in the region.

– The support of coaches and scientific collaborators – proposals to strengthen the training, certification and professional stability of people involved in competitive sports.

The relevant press release issued today by the EOE stated, among other things: The meeting took place at the headquarters of the EOE, in the context of the expressed intention of the new administration to upgrade the role of the sports federations which are the main ‘pillar’ of cultivation and support of Greek sports.

The President of the EOE, Isidoros Kouvelos, at the end of the long meeting pointed out: “Thank you for coming and for all the proposals you submitted, which we will transfer to the State. Since various things are being heard, I want to clarify that the Hellenic Olympic Committee is not against anyone. What he does is ask for the opinion of the federations and propose, so that the right thing is done.

What we do is not opposition to any government. We make positive proposals to help sport because you are the people of sport, you know the problems, you have the knowledge. And they have an obligation to listen to us. We make suggestions, we don’t go against anyone. When there is a correct proposal and you say that this should be done for the good of sport, is it war? We submit proposals and ask for our opinion to be heard when they legislate.”

Also, Mr. Kouvelos announced the changes to the EOE regulation, in order to be able to support the structure of Greek sports in many ways. “We signed up with PPC as a Platinum Sponsor, and since other sponsors are coming, we will change the regulation, so that EOE can support various other sectors and not only the Olympic preparation, as was the case until now.

I mention features: Rewarding athletes for their successes. Supporting athletes on the way to the Olympic Games directly from the EOE based on procedures. Support of Federations not only for Olympic preparation, but also for innovative or other actions.

Supply for the purchase of materials and equipment and we are already in contact with the federations of rowing and sailing for the purchase of boats. Costs of sending boats and equipment to the Olympic Games. Facility repair and facility maintenance costs, as facilities cannot be left abandoned and non-functioning.”

The Hellenic Olympic Committee, through its committees and bodies, will study all the issues raised for discussion and in a new meeting will respond to the federations and together with them will define the policy in sports.