EFC Embraces Sports Diplomacy in Washington
European Fencing Confederation (EFC) President Pascal Tesch represented the EFC at the 'Fencing as a Bridge of Peace Between the Americas and Europe' event held at the historic headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington. Co-organized by the Permanent Missions to the OAS of Panama, the United States, and the Permanent Observer Mission of Italy, the initiative aimed to promote sports diplomacy as a tool for fostering international cooperation and dialogue.
"Sports diplomacy is more important than ever in our society," said Tesch. "Yet it is still a relatively new concept. Sports have often been used to demonstrate the supremacy of one system over another – that's not good and it should be avoided. The Olympic motto, Citius, Altius, Fortius, is about overcoming oneself and achieving excellence – one of the Olympic values. As Europe, we have a responsibility to teach these values. Athletes, by nature, travel extensively, and through these encounters, they learn to understand different cultures, fostering tolerance and building bridges."
Promoting Olympic Values and Cultural Exchange
The agenda of the event included a roundtable on Olympic values and a series of friendly fencing matches involving athletes from Italy, the United States, and Panama. Tesch reflected on the event’s alignment with the OAS pillars of democracy, human rights, security, and development. "It is only by meeting different cultures in respect – the second Olympic value – that we can build the third value: friendship," he stated. "If the world fully evolved in respect and friendship, security would not be an issue. With the right portion of tolerance, human rights don’t need advocacy as they are inherent to friendship and respect."
Tesch highlighted a memorable moment during the matches, emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship that permeated the event. "Seeing the young fencers in a friendly, competitive, and respectful way demonstrating their skills was eye-opening," he said. "The Italian Olympic team controlled the match in a respectful way, not humiliating their adversaries. These are the moments when I am full of hope that we can change for the better."
Looking Ahead: EFC's Commitment to Sports Diplomacy
When asked whether the EFC plans to host similar initiatives in Europe, Tesch expressed his support for such endeavors, acknowledging the importance of continuity in sports diplomacy efforts. "I guess it’s too early to talk in detail. But certainly, there must be a follow-up," he said. "As far as I am concerned, I fully support the initiative, and no matter how stressful this trip was, it was worth the effort. Peace isn’t just there – it requires us to work on it day by day. Initiatives like these are paramount for success."
The EFC’s involvement in the Fencing as a Bridge of Peace event has not only reinforced the Confederation’s commitment to promoting Olympic values but also highlighted fencing’s unique potential to unite cultures and promote international understanding. As Tesch concluded, "Initiatives like these are crucial not just for fencing, but for fostering a broader sense of unity and respect across continents. They remind us that the power of sport extends far beyond the piste, bridging gaps and fostering dialogue in ways that words alone cannot achieve."
