Samsung and EOC launch Youth Anti-Obesity Program in Europe

Designed to get children playing and enjoying Olympic sports, this exciting program promotes health and wellbeing, not to mention fun! This prestigious partnership will see Samsung and the EOC (the representative organisation for the 49 European National Olympic Committees (NOC’s), introducing sports education programs into 750 schools and after-school clubs across five European countries.

Sports equipment, specially created lesson materials and expert training from past Olympians such as Irish boxing legend, Michael Carruth, will be provided to teachers and coaches. The program will be piloted in the five countries this year - Croatia, Denmark, Ireland, Italy and UK, after which the EOC aim to roll this out across Europe. Today, at the Stadio della Pallacorda in Rome, the impressive stadium which played host to the 1960 Olympic Games, the program ambassador, Goran Ivanĭsević, helped young children mark the launch of the program with a mini-Olympics show.

The event showcased a range of Olympic sports which will be actively introduced in the selected schools and after-school clubs from October, encouraging children to take part in a fun and supportive environment. The Olympic sports featured in the program are athletics (including running, long jump and triple jump), football, basketball, handball, baseball, softball, badminton, tennis, hockey and gymnastics. Goran, himself an Olympian, as well as Tennis champion, explained: „I am thrilled to be supporting the Samsung-EOC scheme, primarily because it drives sport at the most important level - grass roots participation.

It is a great opportunity for children to experience a variety of sports which is so important, not only to keep them fit and healthy, but also so that they have fun! Representing my country at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona is something I will never forget, but of course I started out as a young boy, hitting a ball against the wall. Who knows, this opportunity may provide someone else with the inspiration to follow a similar course.” Samsung Electronics Europe is supporting the campaign as part of their ongoing commitment to promoting sport.

Samsung believes that sport, and especially the Olympics, plays a unique role in unifying people regardless of age, gender or race. As a TOP Sponsor of the Olympics since 1997, Samsung is well placed to continue spreading the Olympic message focusing on the pleasure in taking part in sport. Following the Olympic creed, Samsung shares the goal of “building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport, practiced in accordance with Olympism and its values”.

In Soo Kim, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Europe, said: “Samsung Electronics Europe is excited to be involved in such a fantastic initiative. Our partnership with the EOC demonstrates our long-term commitment to not only the Olympics and everything it stands for, but also to promoting the benefits of sport to kids across Europe.” Patrick Hickey, President of the EOC, added: “We are delighted to be working with Samsung on this program. Both organisations share a common aim which focuses on getting our children fitter and more active, in a fun and enjoyable environment”. (press release)