Press Release: The European Commission and the International Olympic Committee launch an action to promote the Olympic ideals in schools.

Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Education, Culture and Sport, and Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, Brussels signed a cooperation agreement on 14 September 2001 on the theme 'Sport, schools and the Olympic ideals in Europe'. The aim is to promote the ethical values of sport among European school children and thus offset the abuses which have recently tarnished the image of sport. Initially, pilot actions will be organised in conjunction with the French, Dutch and Italian Olympic Committees. Mrs Reding and the President of the IOC today set up an advisory committee which will monitor the pilot projects and pave the way for this action to be extended to all 15 Member States for 2003-2004.