Both elite sport and grassroots sport are of tremendous importance. They are inseparably linked and complement each other. Elite sport only has added value if it succeeds in encouraging individuals to be active and to participate in sports, while contributing to broader societal and social objectives.
Sport, and elite sport in particular, undoubtedly has a unique exemplary role within our society, especially for young people: effort, perseverance, friendship and respect, surpassing oneself—these are realities that people face every day. In this respect, sport can be a unique source of inspiration. Sport helps people cope with success… and with failure.
Sport has a positive impact on well-being and health and can help prevent and combat problems such as obesity. In doing so, sport can reduce healthcare costs for individuals and society. Furthermore, sport can play a significant role in social integration.
Moreover, sport and elite sporting achievements help strengthen the image of our country, our regions, and our communities abroad, and they instill a sense of pride in our fellow citizens.
Finally, sport also has an economic dimension: it is a sector that creates jobs and economic value. A recent European study showed that sport contributes €5.27 billion (or 1.36%) to Belgium’s GDP and that the sports sector in Belgium accounts for 70,934 sport-related jobs, which corresponds to about 1.58% of the total labor market (cf. “Study on the economic impact of sport through sport satellite accounts” – May 2018).
In our country, at least one in two people practices sport. The most dedicated athletes are usually members of a club. They represent more than 2,000,000 individuals.
- Elite sport is a source of inspiration and creates a positive dynamic at various levels.
- Elite sport is supported by the elite sport partners.