Skopje, 31 May 2024 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova addressed the 18th International Federation of Physical and Sports Education (FIEPS) European Congress, within the frameworks of the 6th Scientific Conference entitled "Research in Physical Education, Sport and Health," that is held in Ohrid, on Friday, the President's Cabinet said in a press release.

The Congress, which is being held from May 30 until June 2 in Ohrid, is organized by the Faculty of Physical Education, Sport and Health, in cooperation with the Faculty of Pedagogy St. Kliment Ohridski - Skopje, and Federation of Sports Pedagogues of Macedonia.

Referring to the beginnings of the Ohrid swimming marathon, almost 70 years ago, the President said that there isn't a more symbolic location for the FIEPS' European Congress than Ohrid.

"Physical activity is one of the most important things for maintaining and improving people's physical and mental health. I believe that doing sports prevents many non-communicable diseases, improves sleeping, and lowers anxiety and depression. However, despite these benefits, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) report that a third of the European adult population is not physically active enough. This can and does result in over 11 million new cases of non-communicable diseases by 2050, and a huge budgetary burden on healthcare and the social system of every country," Siljanovska Davkova stressed.

According to the President, there are several reasons for this situation.

"Physical activity, which in the past was an integral part of everyday life, has moved to the margins of life. Due to the modern way of working and living, more and more people, including young people, are caught in the web of TV and computer screens, social media, and fast food. How can we leave this downward spiral? The answer lies, as we already heard, in the holistic approach to physical activity and sports. In practice, this means helping people develop healthy habits and lead physically active lives." Siljanovska Davkova noted.

Sports, she added, can help children and young people learn about Olympic values, friendship, self-confidence, fair play, and accepting diversity. Older people, like me, she added, can lead a healthy and fulfilling life, maintaining their physical condition irrelevant to their age.

"I believe that you, participants, with your expertise and experience can contribute to the development of good policies in physical education. It is precisely with such a holistic approach that we will build healthier, more active and inclusive societies whose members will compete with their successes," Siljanovska Davkova said.ssh/ad/

Photo: Presidential Office