Sport is often associated with striving for victory, achieving excellence, and competing at the highest levels. However, it is equally a powerful “social tool that can convey messages” to both athletes and supporters. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the European Week of Sport (23-30 September 2025), we talk to George Mavrotas, General Secretary of Sport at the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports of Greece, about the essential role of sport as a platform for respect, inclusion, and social cohesion.
Citing Nelson Mandela, George Mavrotas reminds us that “sport laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” It carries values that foster belonging, solidarity, and mutual respect. However, violent incidents and unsafe situations continue to affect sports events across Europe. Addressing these challenges requires efficient security measures in an integrated approach with safety and service. This is the focus o the European Union - Council of Europe joint project Balance S4, which strengthens the implementation of the Saint-Denis Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events.
In his intervention, George Mavrotas underlines that while security has traditionally received more attention, it is time to also prioritise safety and service. Only by reinforcing all three pillars of the Saint-Denis Convention can sports events become safer, more inclusive, and more welcoming for all participants.
As George Mavrotas points out, “it is very important to have this knowledge disseminated in order to develop a culture of safety”. To this end, the Balance S4 project has recently organised two Training of Trainers sessions on safety and service and is currently elaborating a Training Toolkit. These trainings brought together representatives of the Saint-Denis Committee, international organisations and sports events organisers, with the support of the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA). The purpose is to share best practices and provide practical tools to improve the management of sports facilities and events, at the highest levels as well as at grassroot levels.
By strengthening co-operation and promoting integrated measures, the Balance S4 joint project continues to support the creation of safe, welcoming and respectful sports environments for everybody – true to the values of sport itself.
Watch the full interview here
For a broader understanding of the Saint-Denis Convention and its integrated approach to safety, security, and service at football and other sports events, the following resources are recommended:
Training of Trainers session on Safety at sports events
Training of Trainers session on Service at Sports events
Discover the Saint-Denis Convention through an Online Course
T-S4 Recommendation Rec (2021)1, Annex A and Annex C
