Our valued partner, the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM), has recently experienced a particularly eventful period – one marked by meaningful recognition, international dialogue, and a reaffirmed commitment to ethical sport. We are pleased to share two highlights, both of which were personally attended by EOA President Prof. Dr. Manfred Laemmer: the presentation of the Spirit of Fair Play Award to German table tennis icon Timo Boll, and the successful 30th EFPM Congress in Olympia, Greece. Each of these events underlined the importance of Fair Play within the Olympic Movement, and the EOA is proud to contribute to and support this shared mission.
Timo Boll Receives “Spirit of Fair Play Award” from EFPM
A shining example of fairness in sport: Whether representing Team Germany or his club Borussia Duesseldorf – for Timo Boll, it has always been about more than just first places and gold medals. For his selfless attitude, which has made the left-hander popular worldwide, he has now been honoured by our valued partner. The “Spirit of Fair Play Award” was presented to him by Prof. Laemmer, President of the European Olympic academies (EOA) and EFPM Honorary Member.
Award Ceremony at the ETTU Final Four in Saarbrücken
Timo Boll is nearing the end of his remarkable career. For that reason, he was unfortunately unable to attend the European Fair Play Award Ceremony held in Olympia, Greece – just a few days later, the Final Four of the Champions League was on his schedule. To personally hand over the award to this exceptional athlete, Prof. Laemmer travelled to Saarbruecken, Germany, on behalf of EFPM President Philippe Housiaux OLY and took over the presentation.
Timo Boll is not only one of Europe’s most accomplished table tennis players – he is also a long-standing ambassador of Fair Play. For over two decades, he has embodied values such as respect, integrity, and selflessness with remarkable consistency. A memorable example is his gesture at the 2005 World Championships, where he voluntarily gave up a wrongly awarded match point – a moment that cost him victory but earned him lasting admiration.
Through such actions, Boll has helped shape table tennis into one of the fairest sports today. He continues to inspire – both within the international sporting community and among younger generations.
Strengthening the Fair Play Spirit: EFPM Congress 2025 in Olympia
The 30th European Fair Play Congress, held from 24 to 27 May 2025 in Olympia, Greece – the symbolic birthplace of the Olympic ideal – was a remarkable success. Organised in collaboration with the International Olympic Academy and the Hellenic Olympic Academy, the event brought together over 120 participants from across Europe to discuss and promote fairness, ethics, and integrity in sport.
Prof. Laemmer actively participated in the Congress and underlined the close partnership between EOA and EFPM. Key sessions addressed topics such as ethical leadership, safeguarding values in youth sport, and the role of Fair Play in modern sporting structures.
The EOA congratulates EFPM President Philippe Housiaux OLY on his re-election and congratulates the entire EFPM team on a truly inspiring event that continues to advance the culture of Fair Play across Europe. More information about the Congress, including the elections of the new Board of Directors, can be found on the official EFPM website: LINK
