Ref. Ares(2024)986261 - 09/02/2024
ILIANA IVANOVA
MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Dear Minister Purga,
I would like to thank you for the constructive and positive discussions at the last Sport
Council on 24 November. On all of the points on the agenda, I was impressed by the
common sense of direction and political will to strengthen our values-based European Sport
Model and to use the full potential of sport as a driver for social cohesion and unity across
our Union.
This common purpose is all the more important as we enter a remarkable year for sport in
Europe, which will be full of major sport events hosted by our Member States. The Paris
2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a unique opportunity to show the impact that
major sport events can have on all of Europe – from promoting our common values to
leaving a lasting legacy on everything from physical activity to environmental sustainability.
To make the most of this opportunity, the Commission will embark on a series of events
and initiatives in 2024 under the banner of “Road to Paris2024”. This will include an
Olympic-themed EU Sport Forum and activities as part of the #BeActive and European
Week of Sport campaign.
In this spirit, and as mentioned during the Council, I would like to invite you to nominate
one Olympic or Paralympic athlete or sport-related personality as an Ambassador of this
initiative. The 27 Ambassadors – one from each Member State - will be able to share their
perspectives on the Games, what they mean to them and how they link to our common EU
values. The Ambassadors will be invited to record a short video message, to be part of the
#BeActive communication campaigns. They will also be invited to play an active role in the
EU Sport Forum which will take place in Belgium 100 days ahead of the Games.
Ms Heidy Purga
Minister of Culture
I would be grateful if you could reply with the name of your nominee to the Head of the
Sport Unit in the European Commission, Ms Floor van Houdt (Florencia.van-
[email protected]) by 23 February 2024. She will also be available to answer any
questions or provide any further information that you may need.
I would like to thank you in advance for your support to use 2024 to showcase best of
European sport and to give a face to our European Sport Model.
Yours sincerely,
Iliana Ivanova
Electronically signed on 08/02/2024 11:12 (UTC+01) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121
Tiiu Noobel
From: LEROY Celine <
[email protected]>
Sent: reede, 9. veebruar 2024 11:21
To: Aivo Orav; Esindus EL juures üldaadress
Cc: DIMITROV Emil; BALLA Georgia
Subject: ESTONIA_Request for transmitting a letter to Ms Heidy Purga, Minister of Culture
Attachments: EE Transmission letter Minister Purga.pdf; EE Nomination Paris2024 ambassador-
Minister Purga.pdf
Our internal references: Ares(2024)986261
Dear Madam,
Dear Sir,
On behalf of Mr Emil Dimitrov, Member in the Cabin et of Ms Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner responsible for
‘Innovation, Research, Culture Education and Youth’, you will please find here attached a request signed by the
Head of Cabinet, Mr Markus Schulte to the attention of His Excellency Ambassador Aivo Orav, with his best regards
to transmitting the thank you letter and invitation addressed to Ms Heidy Purga, Minister of Culture, signed by
Commissioner Ivanova, to nominate an athlete by preferably by Friday 23rd of February, with apologies for the delay.
You will please note that there will be no postal mail following this message. It would be great if the colleagues
could acknowledge receipt back to us on the message and on the letter.
We wish you good receipt of it.
1. Transmission letter to the attention of the Ambassador Orav
2. Signed letter by Commissioner Ivanova to the attention of Minister Purga
We remain at your disposal for additional information and further queries.
Thank you in advance for your precious help and wishing you a lovely start of the day.
With kind regards,
Celine Leroy
Secretary
+32 2 297 22 14
+32 489 02 90 77
1
Heidy Purga
Kultuuriminister 09.02.2024
nr 10.1-13/141-1
Kultuuriministeerium
Austatud minister
Edastame Teile Euroopa Komisjoni voliniku Iliana Ivanova 09.02.2024 kirja nr
Ares(2024)986261 (nomination of Paris 2024 Ambassador).
Lugupidamisega
Aivo Orav
Esinduse juht
Lisa: voliniku kiri 2 lk
Tiiu Noobel +32 2227 4337
[email protected]
Rue Guimard 11/13 1040 Brüssel Tel: +32 2 227 39 10
[email protected] https://eu.mfa.ee/et/