Discussion forum on the SUPPORTER project addresses current gender equality issues

As part of the SUPPORTER project under the Horizon Europe program, the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski" organized a discussion forum titled “Crossed Lines: Gender Identity, Inclusion, and Fair Play in Sports” on October 15, 2024.

The event gathered experts with diverse professional commitments in the sports field: educators, researchers, students, coaches, athletes, journalists, and media professionals, enriching the discussion and contributing to a comprehensive presentation of the issues.

The moderator of the discussion, Prof. Tatyana Yancheva, project leader, presented the key points: gender equality in sports in the context of the recent Olympic Games – Paris 2024; the role of sports science in determining the balance between tolerance, fair play, and gender equality; international sports rules based on scientific evidence; challenges and paths for development.

In his welcoming speech, the rector of NSA "Vasil Levski," Prof. Krasimir Petkov, expressed his support for the necessity and benefits of a professional scientific discussion on gender equality, outlining the problematic areas. “I hope we find the balance to avoid crossing the line of confrontation and hatred,” urged Prof. Petkov.

During the discussion, numerous aspects of gender equality in sports were defined and discussed, including medical, legal, psychological, sports-technical, ethical, and media-related issues. Interesting cases from sports practice in both national and international contexts were also addressed.

The participants agreed on the conclusion that the path to solving gender equality issues passes through objective scientific argumentation, based on which a regulatory framework should be created and an adequate regulation specific to the sport should be found. This will support the process of inclusion and equality between genders without undermining foundational principles and values of sports such as fair play, respect for opponents, educational impact, tolerance, and more. By applying such an approach, severe negative consequences such as physical and psychological injuries to athletes, conflicts, and the withdrawal of young athletes from certain sports will be avoided.

The National Sports Academy is an active participant in the SUPPORTER project under the Horizon Europe program, asserting its support for achieving gender equality in sports— in sports education, science, and practice. The project unites 11 partners, of which 9 are sports universities. It aligns with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020 - 2025.