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EMCA Connect: DigiRoot Presented in Piraeus

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At the recent EMCA Connect event in Piraeus, the DigiRoot project took centre stage in front of 30 representatives from multisport clubs across Europe. The session provided an excellent opportunity to showcase how digital tools can support the daily work and long-term sustainability of grassroots sports clubs.

Malte Kalsbach led the presentation, offering participants a deep dive into DigiRoot’s objectives and the practical ways digitalisation can support clubs—from simplifying administration to enhancing communication and education. One of the standout moments was a demonstration of how clubs can use digital avatars to produce multilingual videos, making educational content more accessible and engaging.

The presentation sparked immediate discussion among participants. Many clubs were curious about how to start applying these tools in their own environments, while important topics around data security and digital regulations were also raised—highlighting the relevance and timeliness of DigiRoot’s work.

All attending clubs were invited to complete the DigiCheck, a tool to assess their current digital status, and to register on the DigiRoot website to stay informed about new developments, tools, and learning resources.

👉 Explore the project and join the DigiRoot network: https://digiroot-project.eu

EMCA Connect: EU TeqGames presenting the project

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During the recent EMCA Connect event, the EU TeqGames project was presented to an audience of over 30 representatives from multisport clubs across Europe. This was a valuable opportunity to share the project’s progress, highlight its achievements, and outline the next steps, with a strong focus on the EU TeqGames events themselves.

The presentation introduced the main goals of the EU TeqGames project, which include:

  • Promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity, especially in the context of post-COVID recovery.
  • Fostering gender equality and inclusiveness in sports, with a focus on participation for people of all ages, genders, and abilities.
  • Encouraging the use of the Teqtable, a specially designed table that enables multiple sports – Teqball, Teqvoly, Teqpong, Teqis, and Qatch – all played on one common platform.
  • Increasing accessibility, as the table’s design supports athletes with physical disabilities and requires minimal space, making it suitable for a wide variety of settings.

One of the key highlights of the presentation was the first EU TeqGames event, held in October in Piraeus, Greece. The event gathered young athletes from various clubs to experience Teqsports firsthand in an engaging, inclusive, and friendly environment. Participants took part in workshops, training sessions, and competitions, promoting both physical activity and social interaction across borders. The event also served as a platform for raising awareness of the Teqsports’ versatility and value in grassroots sports.

Looking ahead, the project team announced the next EU TeqGames, scheduled to take place in early April in Rome, Italy. The upcoming event will build on the success of the first edition, with even more clubs expected to take part and contribute to the spread of Teqsports across Europe.

The EMCA Connect event served not only as a dissemination opportunity but also as a platform for collaboration and dialogue. The exchange of ideas with fellow multisport clubs was invaluable for shaping the future development of the project.

The EU TeqGames project continues to be a dynamic example of how innovation, inclusion, and international cooperation can come together to support healthier and more active communities across Europe.

Photogallery of EMCA’S Elective Assembly in Piraeus, Greece

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On Friday, March 7th, the European Multisports Club Association (EMCA) held its Elective General Assembly in Piraeus, Greece. The meeting gathered representatives from multi-sports clubs across Europe, who actively participated in the proceedings, emphasizing the democratic function of the Association.

Here are the photos from our Assembly:

Innovative Discussions and Honorable Award for Olympiacos SFP on the Second Day of the EMCA Elective Assembly in Greece

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The Elective Assembly of the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA), hosted at the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF), was successfully concluded. The two-day Assembly featured both significant strategic discussions on the future of multisport in Europe and special activities that highlighted the strong connection between sports and culture.

The second day focused on discussing three major sports programs in which EMCA and its members participate:

Teq Games: An initiative promoting new sports and increasing participation in multisport events.

STAY Digitalization Project: A project aimed at digitizing sports processes, enhancing accessibility, and improving the organization of sports clubs through modern technologies.

Igiroot: An initiative focusing on the sustainability of sports organizations by strengthening their connection with local communities and environmental protection.

One of the highlights of the second day was the honorary award presented to Olympiacos S.F.P. by EMCA in recognition of the club’s 100-year history and its invaluable contribution to the development of multisport in Europe.

The day concluded with a unique cultural experience, as the delegates visited the Acropolis Museum, where they explored the remarkable exhibits of Greece’s cultural heritage. This visit emphasized the timeless connection between sports, culture, and history.

On the first day, the delegates had the opportunity to visit two iconic sports facilities of Olympiacos S.F.P.:

Karaiskakis Stadium, the historic home of the team.

Renti Training Center, where they were introduced to the club’s modern training facilities and its academy programs.

EMCA continues its dynamic efforts, strengthening collaboration among Europe’s multisport clubs and promoting initiatives that combine innovation, sustainability, and sports development on an international level.

EMCA Elective Assembly in Piraeus – Re-election of Christina Tsiligiri as President

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On Friday, March 7th, the European Multi-Sports Club Association (EMCA) held its Elective General Assembly in Piraeus, Greece. The meeting gathered representatives from multi-sports clubs across Europe, who actively participated in the proceedings, emphasizing the democratic function of the Association.

During the assembly, members voted for the election of the new President and the board of directors. Christina Tsiligiri was re-elected as President of EMCA, earning the members’ trust for a second consecutive term. Vanina Milanova was appointed as President of the General Assembly, while Gabriella Bascelli assumed the position of Vice President.

New EMCA Executive Board

Following the conclusion of the General Assembly, the new EMCA Executive Board is formed as follows:

  • Polat Bengiserp
  • Denis Lafoux
  • Martijn Looren de Jong
  • Balint Mate
  • Bojan Mijatovic
  • Albert Salarich
  • José Carlos Serra Reis

Additionally, the Advisory Board consists of:

  • Yves Le Lostecque
  • Kenneth Cortsen
  • Menelaos Dimitriou
  • Malte Kalsbach
  • Patricia Silva Lopes

Statement from President Christina Tsiligiri

“It is a great honor to be re-elected as President of EMCA, an organization that continues to grow, evolve, and lead in the field of multi-sports in Europe. The trust shown to me by the members motivates me to work with even greater dedication to strengthen EMCA’s position at the European level, to create more opportunities for collaborations, and to promote the power of sports as a means of unity and development. Together, we continue dynamically towards the future.”

GoldAge kick-off meeting in Zagreb

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On February 15-17, 2025, The first in person meeting of the “GoldAge” project – MULTISPORT TRAINING PROGRAM FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR ADULTS 60+ – was held in Zagreb, Croatia.
GoldAge is an 18-month program, co-financed by the Erasmus program of the European Commission, aimed at sport and older people. The activities are implemented by 3 members of EMCA with the lead “Levski-Sport for All” in partnership with “HAŠK – Mladost” (Croatia) and the Lazio Foundation (Italy).

The host of the meeting was HAŠK Mladost , an established name in the Croatian sports system.
The coordinators from Association “Levski-Sport for all” , “HASK – Mladost” and the Fondazione S.S. Lazio 1900 made a general overview of the project, defining the main steps, approving the distribution of tasks and approving a schedule for their implementation. The communication strategy, good practices in training older people and what materials will be needed for training of trainers were also discussed.

A pleasant surprise from the hosts was the visit to the town of Samobor, near Zagreb. The medieval town with a rich cultural and historical heritage also has an extensive sports calendar. A favorite place for the capital’s residents for trekking and relaxation.

All news about the project can be found on the official project page GoldAge.EU

Oldest Olympic Champion dies 2 Jan 2025 – Agnes KELETI

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Ágnes Keleti (née Klein; 9 January 1921 – 2 January 2025) was a Hungarian and Israeli artistic gymnast and coach who won multiple Olympic medals. She was the oldest living Olympic champion and medallist, reaching her 100th birthday on 9 January 2021. While representing Hungary at the Summer Olympics, she won 10 Olympic medals including five gold medals, three silver medals, and two bronze medals, and is considered to be one of the most successful Jewish Olympic athletes of all time. She was the most successful athlete at the 1956 Summer Olympics. In 1957, Keleti immigrated to Israel, where she worked as a coach, eventually returning to her native Hungary in 2015 at the age of 94. In 2017, she was awarded the Israel Prize in sports.

Agnes Keleti was born in Budapest, Hungary. She began to train in gymnastics at the age of 4, and by 16 was the Hungarian National Champion in gymnastics. Over the course of her career, between 1937 and 1956, she won the Championships title ten times.[7][11][12] She changed her surname to Keleti to make it more Hungarian-sounding. Having survived the Holocaust, after the WWII she continued in achieving 5 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze Olympic medals at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games (Helsinki and Melbourne), becoming one of the most decorated Olympic athletes of all times. At the age of 35, Keleti became the oldest female gymnast ever to win gold. The Soviet Union invaded Hungary during the 1956 Olympics. Keleti, along with 44 other athletes from the Hungarian delegation, decided to remain in Australia and received political asylum. She became a coach for Australian gymnasts.

Keleti has been the oldest Hungarian Olympic champion since Sándor Tarics died on 21 May 2016. She became the oldest living Olympic champion when Lydia Wideman died on 13 April 2019. She celebrated her 100th birthday in January 2021. She became the longest-lived Olympic champion ever on 7 August 2023, breaking the record previously held by Tarics.

Keleti died in Budapest on 2 January 2025, at the age of 103, a week before her 104th birthday, after being hospitalised with pneumonia in the previous week.

The life of Agnes Keleti symbolises the turbulent history of Europe of the 20th century and EMCA humbly commemorates the exceptional life and accomplishments of her sport career in the most respectful manner.

Agnes Keleti performing the splits in 1949. Photograph: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum/Facebook

Successful Completion of the PACE Project in a special event in Sofia, Bulgaria

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The European project PACE (Physical Activity Connecting Generations) was successfully completed, bringing together three of Europe’s most active multi-sport clubs: Olympiacos, Lazio Teqball, and Levski Sport for All. Under the auspices of the European Union and in collaboration with the European Multi-Sport Club Association (EMCA), the project aimed to promote intergenerational unity through physical activity.

PACE demonstrated how sports can effectively serve as a tool for enhancing social cohesion and bridging generational gaps. Through targeted activities and specialized training programs, participants were able to bring families closer together, showcasing the value of shared athletic experiences. Trained coaches played a vital role by organizing family-oriented sports events, offering unique moments for parents and children to connect.

The conclusion of the project was celebrated with a special event in Sofia, Bulgaria, where the collaborating partners presented the results and positive impact of the activities. Representatives from the participating clubs emphasized the importance of sports as a vehicle for fostering intergenerational bonds and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing such initiatives.

EMCA extends its heartfelt thanks to the European Union for supporting the project, as well as to all those who contributed to the uniqueness and success of PACE. EMCA members, including Olympiacos, Lazio Teqball, and Levski Sport for All, remain dedicated to the values of social cohesion and inclusion, enthusiastically planning their next steps to strengthen the role of multi-sport clubs in European society.

“ Soccer for all ” – Football without restrictions in “Levski-Sport for All”, “Lazio”and “ Panseraikos ”

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“Soccer for All” – Football without restrictions in “Levski-Sport for All”, “Lazio” and “Panseraikos”
“Levski-Sport for All”, “Lazio” and “Panseraikos” organized a training program for football without restrictions “Soccer for All”.

“FOOTBALL FOR ALL” is a sport suitable for all ages, a special experience that can include both children and adults, men and women, skilled and less skilled players, without the need for any specific level of motor skills.

Social football rules are not only those that are usually determined by the referee during a match. In fact, according to a broader definition of the term and its meaning, social football rules should be seen as educational actions aimed at social integration, respect for values such as friendship, respect for others, and the ability to accept the final result by emphasizing the positive aspects of both defeat and victory. The role of the coach is supportive and guiding. He distributes the teams in a balanced way so that the relative weight of all teams is equal. He directs the more skilled participants to help those with more limited opportunities to feel valuable on the field.

Each partner has the freedom to choose the format and participants in the initiative. “Levski-Sport for All” has the greatest experience because years ago it participated in the development of a scientific study on the benefits and mechanisms for the development of “social football”. For this reason, it chose to include two of its smaller members, FC “Ruse” and FC “Karia” – Shabla. Families, friends, and neighbors of children training in the clubs were invited to join the activities. “Panseraikos”, just like “Levski”, is oriented towards those training in the club, by extending an open invitation to the citizens of Serres.

“Lazio” focuses on providing opportunities for children and adults with physical, motor, and intellectual disabilities

Within the framework of the one-year initiative, the partners developed a manual to assist managers and coaches in organizing “Football for All” activities and trained their team. They also organized more than 40 training sessions in the three countries with the participation of more than 180 people.

The “Soccer for All” project ended with an exciting final event on December 14th at the Cinecittà Sports Club Bettini in Rome to celebrate social inclusion through football.

The protagonist of the day was the team “The Hare and the Tortoise”, a name chosen to highlight the determination, resilience, and respect for the time and skills of each player. The team showed a great spirit of collaboration and inclusion, fully embodying the values promoted by the project.

During the event, the young people participated in a symbolic match that highlighted the value of sport as a tool for social integration, showing their motivation, determination, and sporting abilities. At the end of the game, all participants from the “Hare and the Tortoise” team were rewarded for their dedication and team spirit shown during the project.

Certificates of participation were awarded by the Chairman of the Levski-Sport for All Association, Lucien Velchev, and the President of the Lazio Foundation, Cristina Medzaroma, and wife of Claudio Lotito, the owner of the football club.

Medzaroma also received a special gift, the limited edition badge of “Levski-Sport for All”.

The Secretary General of “Levski-Sport for All”, Vanina Milanova, project coordinator and president of the assembly of the European Multi-Sports Clubs Association (EMCA), and Gabriella Bascelli, Secretary General of the Lazio Foundation and member of the EMCA Board of Directors, welcomed the participants on behalf of the 30 largest European clubs.

The project activities are funded by the Erasmus program of the European Union.

Brussels Hosts EMCA Delegation at Erasmus+ Sport 2025 Info Session

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The European Multisport Club Association (EMCA) actively participated in the Erasmus+ Sport 2025 Info Session, organized by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) in Brussels. An official delegation, led by EMCA President Christina Tsiligkiri, included Vanina Milanova (President of the Assembly), Bojan Mijatovic (Development and Sustainability Director), Gabriella Bascelli (Director of Communication and Marketing), Martijn Looren de Jong (Project Manager Director), and Malte Kalsbach (Finance Director), alongside Lusien Velchen, President of Levski Sport for All, an esteemed EMCA member.

The session featured an address by the newly appointed Glenn Micallef, Commissioner (2024-2029) for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport. Commissioner Micallef outlined the key directions and priorities for the upcoming five-year period. Notably, he announced that his first official visit will take place in Greece, the birthplace of sports and culture, specifically in Athens. On January 28th, Commissioner Micallef will attend a major wheelchair basketball event hosted at Technopolis in Gazi, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in sports.

Key Takeaways:

The session presented the key priorities of the Erasmus+ Sport program for 2025:

• Inclusive Erasmus+ – Promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities through sports.

• Green Erasmus+ – Supporting environmentally sustainable practices and initiatives.

• Digital Erasmus+ – Fostering digital transformation and innovation in sports.

• Common Values & Participation – Encouraging civic engagement and promoting shared values.

Strengthening Collaboration:

The EMCA delegation engaged in meaningful exchanges with key stakeholders and experts, contributing to discussions on how these priorities can drive innovation and sustainable development across European sports organizations.

President’s Statement:

Christina Tsiligkiri, President of EMCA, highlighted:

“The Erasmus+ Sport 2025 program aligns with the shared goals of EMCA. By focusing on inclusion, sustainability, and digital innovation, the program provides essential tools to enhance the role of sports as a driver for positive change in our communities. These priorities reflect the core values of EMCA and empower our member clubs to embrace new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and progress across Europe. Additionally, I had the opportunity to discuss vital sports-related topics with Commissioner Glenn Micallef. It was a pleasure to hear about his plans and share our vision for sports development. I am particularly looking forward to his visit to Athens on January 28th, during the wheelchair basketball event at Technopolis in Gazi.”

Acknowledgments:

EMCA extends its gratitude to EACEA and all participants for the organization of this significant event. Together, we are paving the way for a future where sports champion inclusion, sustainability, and innovation.

Bruxelles accueille la délégation de l’EMCA lors de l’Info Session Erasmus+ Sport 2025

L’Association Européenne des Clubs Multisports (EMCA) a participé activement à la Erasmus+ Sport 2025 Info Session, organisée par l’Agence Exécutive Européenne pour l’Éducation et la Culture (EACEA) à Bruxelles. Une délégation officielle, dirigée par la Présidente de l’EMCA, Christina Tsiligkiri, comprenait Vanina Milanova (Présidente de l’Assemblée), Bojan Mijatovic (Directeur du Développement et de la Durabilité), Gabriella Bascelli (Directrice de la Communication et du Marketing), Martijn Looren de Jong (Directeur des Projets), et Malte Kalsbach (Directeur Financier), accompagnés de Lusien Velchen, Président de Levski Sport for All, membre précieux de l’EMCA.

L’événement a été marqué par l’intervention du nouveau Glenn Micallef, Commissaire (2024-2029) pour l’Équité Intergénérationnelle, la Jeunesse, la Culture et le Sport. Le Commissaire Micallef a présenté les priorités pour les cinq prochaines années, annonçant que sa première visite officielle aura lieu en Grèce, berceau du sport et de la culture. Le 28 janvier, il assistera à un événement majeur de basket en fauteuil roulant à la Technopolis de Gazi à Athènes, soulignant l’importance de l’inclusivité dans le sport.

Principaux Enseignements :

La session a mis en avant les priorités clés du programme Erasmus+ Sport 2025 :

• Erasmus+ Inclusif – Promouvoir l’inclusion sociale et l’égalité dans le sport.

• Erasmus+ Vert – Soutenir des pratiques et initiatives écologiques.

• Erasmus+ Numérique – Encourager la transformation numérique et l’innovation sportive.

• Valeurs Communes & Participation – Renforcer l’engagement civique et promouvoir des valeurs partagées.

Renforcement de la Collaboration :

La délégation de l’EMCA a participé à des échanges constructifs avec des acteurs clés et experts, contribuant aux discussions sur l’impact de ces priorités pour le développement durable et l’innovation dans les organisations sportives européennes.

Déclaration de la Présidente :

Christina Tsiligkiri, Présidente de l’EMCA, a souligné :

« Le programme Erasmus+ Sport 2025 s’aligne avec les objectifs partagés par l’EMCA. En mettant l’accent sur l’inclusion, la durabilité et l’innovation numérique, ce programme fournit des outils essentiels pour renforcer le rôle du sport comme moteur de progrès positif dans nos communautés. Ces priorités reflètent les valeurs fondamentales de l’EMCA et permettent à nos clubs membres d’explorer de nouvelles opportunités de collaboration, de croissance et de développement en Europe. J’ai également eu l’occasion de m’entretenir avec le Commissaire Glenn Micallef sur des sujets cruciaux concernant le sport. Il m’a fait part de sa grande impatience pour sa visite à Athènes le 28 janvier, dans le cadre de l’événement de basket en fauteuil roulant à Technopolis, Gazi. »

Remerciements :

L’EMCA remercie l’EACEA et tous les participants pour l’organisation de cet événement significatif. Ensemble, nous traçons la voie vers un avenir où le sport favorise l’inclusion, la durabilité et l’innovation.