The EOC Medical Commission today met in Split to discuss a robust agenda, with the focus on the protection of the protection of the health and well-being of athletes. Led by Chair Prof Dr Klaus Steinbach, the Commission is committed to ensuring athletes compete in a safe and fair environment, as required by the Key Strategic Priorities in terms of medical care for athletes included in the EOC’s Strategic Agenda 2030.

The Commission members discussed and finetuned their proposed strategic plan, which outlines a comprehensive and sustainable approach to supporting both European NOCs and Organising Committees in the delivery of the highest level of healthcare for athletes at EOC events.

The aim is to ensure the best medical care and protection of the health of athletes at the European Games and the European Youth Olympic Festivals through a series of concrete actions including:

• Protecting the health of athletes through injury, illness and mental health surveillance
• The development and improvement of knowledge in sports medicine through training for European health care specialists
• Ensuring the highest standards for athlete healthcare at EOC sports events
• Support to NOC medical teams in their preparation for EOC events

The strategic plan will be the subject of a document that the Commission will present to the EOC Executive Committee.

Concerned that athletes may not vigorously implement important hygiene measures at Paris 2024 following the end of the Covid-19 global health emergency, the Commission also decided to ask the EOC to circulate a set of guidelines for all NOCs to translate and give to their athletes.

The meeting took place alongside the 13th ISABS Conference on Applied Genetics that takes place every two years in Croatia, and the EOC thanks Prof Dr Dragan Primorac for the kind hospitality and the possibility for the Medical Commission to attend the conference.