High tech jumpers and classical philharmonic sounds to welcome the European Year of Education through Sport 2004

The world's most famous ski jumpers will launch the European Year of Education through Sport (EYES) 2004 at the Four Hills Tournament in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. 366 days, the European Union , on a proposal from Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Education and Culture, will promote sport and its various social, cultural and, above all, educational functions in all fifteen EU Member States, the ten accession states as well as in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The European Year of Education through Sport 2004 fulminantly raises the curtain. A young amateur athlete, dressed in an eye-catching suit with the official EYES logo, rushes down the jumping hill in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The international Four Hills Tour is one of the most popular and prestigious winter sport events and is broadcast world-wide on as many as 25 TV stations. To stress the Paneuropean importance of this pioneer project and the strong bond between sport and culture, EYES will be inaugurated twice in different countries and diverse occasions: In their famous New Year's Concert, the Vienna Philharmonics will pay their tribute to the European Year of Education through Sport 2004 including the fast polka "Eislauf" ("Ice Skating"), op. 261, by Josef Strauss. The internationally prominent conductor Riccardo Muti will direct the 2004 edition of this world-wide symbol for the essence of Viennese musical culture. EYES 2004 takes place at an exceptional time as several major sport events, in particular Euro 2004 in Portugal and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Athens, will place Europe at centre stage of international sport. To sensitise young people in no less than 28 countries to the diverse aspects of sport (competition, health promotion, socialization) as well as to the values associated with sport (tolerance, team spirit, fair play or strength of character, sport), the European Union chose 2004 as the European Year of Education through Sport.