The Ukrainian NOC’s ‘Athlete’s Entourage’ and ‘Women in Sport’ commissions are joining forces as part of the ALIGN project

The meeting focused on the presentation of the international ALIGN project (Advancing Leadership, Inclusion and Gender Equality in Neighbourhood Sports with Europe), which is being implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ Sport programme and brings together partners from Ukraine, Moldova and European Union countries. The project was presented by Olga Danko, Chair of the Ukrainian NOC’s ‘Athlete’s Entourage’ Commission and ALIGN Project Manager.

Participants were briefed on the project’s main objectives and planned activities, and discussed opportunities to engage the expertise of the Ukrainian NOC’s commissions in its implementation. Particular attention was paid to identifying common ground between the commissions’ activities and ALIGN’s objectives, particularly in the areas of developing women’s leadership, implementing the principles of gender-sensitive governance, and fostering a more inclusive sporting environment.

During the discussion, the parties outlined potential areas for further cooperation and agreed to coordinate joint initiatives aimed at implementing best European practices in the field of sports governance.

“Sport is a reflection of society. If we want to see it become fairer, more inclusive and people-centred, change must start with the governance system. ALIGN was created precisely to help sports organisations implement modern standards of leadership, equality and good governance. At the same time, it is extremely important for the ‘Athlete’s Entourage’ Commission that the athlete and their needs remain at the heart of these changes. That is precisely why cooperation between the commissions and the project has such great potential,” noted Olga Danko.

Larysa Zasp, Chair of the Ukrainian NOC’s “Women in Sport” Commission, emphasised that ensuring equal opportunities and increasing women’s representation in sport is a key component of effective governance.

“We view ALIGN as an effective tool for developing women’s leadership and implementing practical changes that will have a long-term positive impact on Ukraine’s sporting community,” emphasised Larysa Zaspa.

The joint meeting marked an important step towards establishing systematic cooperation between the NOC of Ukraine’s commissions and the ALIGN project, opening up new opportunities for the development of a modern, inclusive and athlete-centred sporting environment.

About the Project

ALIGN (Advancing Leadership, Inclusion, and Gender Equality in Neighbourhood Sports with Europe) is an Erasmus+ Sport project, co-funded by the European Union, aimed at making sports governance in Ukraine and Moldova more inclusive, transparent and aligned with EU and Olympic Movement standards. The project runs from April 2026 to March 2028, coordinated by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine in partnership with Olympic Moldova, the University of Vienna and Impact Force. ALIGN supports National Olympic Committees, sports federations and leaders through research, practical tools, training and mentoring. The aim of the project is to integrate the principles of gender equality and inclusive governance into sports structures, ensuring long-term systemic change, as well as the sustainability of results and digital resources for at least five years after the project’s completion.