May 19, 2026

European Paralympic Committee signs Fair Play Manifesto for World Fair Play Day

The European Paralympic Committee reaffirmed its commitment to the values and importance of fair play in Para sport on Tuesday (19 May), signing the Fair Play Manifesto as part of activities for World Fair Play Day.

The European Paralympic Committee’s relationship with the European Fair Play Movement first began in 2013 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. Since then, the collaborative relationship has seen delegates welcomed to various events and shared promotion within each other’s networks.

Most recently Athletes’ Council Chair and Executive Board Member, Markus Salcher, and European Paralympic Committee Vice President, Natalja Novikova, signed the global Fair Play Manifesto on behalf of the Executive Board of the European Paralympic Committee.

Along with this commitment, five-time Paralympic medallist Salcher, who recently retired from a stellar career in Para alpine skiing, also completed a symbolic reading of the Fair Play Text and shared what fair play means to him.

Videos of both the signing and the reading were published on European Paralympic Committee platforms to celebrate World Fair Play Day.

Salcher said: “Throughout my career on the slopes and now into retirement, I have carried the values of respect, friendship, team spirit and equality with me. Integrity and excellence are very important to me and I have always tried hard to be an ambassador for my sport, and Para sport in general. I believe that change starts with sport and activities such as World Fair Play Day, and our activities in Europe, are a fantastic vehicle to raise awareness of shared values across the region and the world.”

Novikova, herself a wheelchair tennis player and winner of the International Tennis Federation’s Uniqlo Spirit Award, said: “The European Paralympic Committee Executive Boad features representation from no less than four Para athletes, all of whom are fantastic ambassadors for faIr play. The group as a whole believes that refreshing our commitment to fair play is a natural step, and there is no better time to do it than joining many others on World Fair Play Day.”

According to the International Fair Play Committee, which authored the Manifesto, respect, integrity, safety and solidarity, joy and excellence are the key values of Fair Play. Alongside the European Paralympic Committee and European Fair Play Movement, Members and Para athletes are also encouraged to take part by sharing their own events, innovations and celebrations.

As well as activities on social media, European Paralympic Committee President, Raymon Blondel, will attend a celebration hosted by the European Fair Play Movement in Brussels on 19 May.

Word Fair Play Day, and supportive activities such as regional editions, contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, UNESCO’s International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport and the European Sports Charter. It is also recognised by the United Nations as the official day to celebrate and promote the values of fair play.