Mens Sana Incorpore Sano! The Olympic games were a mere 700 years old when poet Juvenal scribed in Latin what famously translates to “A healthy mind in a healthy body”.
It is within the spirit of this philosophy that both International Esports Federation (IESF) and International School Sport Federation (ISF) embarked on a landmark agreement.
IESF President Vlad Marinescu, together with International School Sport Federation President Laurent Petrynka signed a memorandum of understanding between both parties.
IESF and ISF will work together combining their knowledge, competencies and efforts in order to undertake various projects and activities developing Esports activity and events and promoting physical health among gamers in high schools.
President Vlad Marinescu the new president of IESF said: “We strongly believe that this collaboration between IESF and ISF will achieve positive results for the benefit of youth in terms of entertainment, competition and health. We hope that the achievements we reach together will be a good example not only for the youth but to all the gamers around the world. Our organizations have a rich history and a similar objective – to motivate youth to take part also in physical sport while having fun. This collaboration will be reinforced, also at the national level, providing a platform and unity in managing programs that reinforce responsible gaming, motivating youth to move and be healthy.”
President Laurent Petrynka, who was recently reappointed by IOC President Thomas Bach, as a member of the Olympic Education Commission, stated ”The MoU and the International Esports Federation (IESF) follow the vision of promoting physical activity and education among the eSports youth, incorporating exercise, running, and fun games into the eSport events. This is a historic step which combines live sports with sports in a virtual setting. We find this cooperation to be an innovative approach aiming to motivate the youth to get up, move, and take care of their mental, physical, and social health. This will be done through a series of competitions planned by ISF and IESF for the near future. Together with IESF, we are united in the Olympic spirit, a spirit of excellence, respect, and friendship, to build a new era of eSports among students all over the world.”
His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahayan, stated: “Positive behaviours and values are formed during the school years. The welfare of young people who participate in sports is a priority for all federations. IESF and ISF through this agreement can collaborate to craft suitable safe strategies that enable students to flourish, through physical, affective and cognitive domains that form the foundations of an active healthy life in esports.”
