In an era where sport is increasingly recognized as a tool for social inclusion, becoming a member of TAFISA represents a concrete commitment to promoting “Sport for All.” On risorse.news, an exclusive interview explores OPES’ recent joining of the TAFISA family. The interview with Gaëtan Garcia, Operational Manager of TAFISA, was conducted by Sara Massini, Head of the International Relations, International Cooperation, and Project Design Department at OPES, together with André Urban, OPES Universal Civil Service Volunteer.
Note: The text has been translated from English, and responses have been paraphrased to better suit the nuances of the Italian language.
Interview with Gaëtan Garcia, Operational Manager of TAFISA
Could you tell us about your organization (mission, platforms, brief history) and the results achieved so far (key milestones)?
TAFISA is the international association for Sport for All. We were founded in 1991, so we have quite a history. Our mission is to lead the global Sport for All movement for a better world. We have a network of around 400 members across 170 countries, including Ministries of Sport, Olympic Committees, International Federations, NGOs, grassroots organizations, municipalities, and universities.
We serve as a meeting point for all actors who can use sport to achieve social goals. We are recognized by the International Olympic Committee, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the European Commission. We carry out high-level advocacy activities, promoting Sport for All also as a public policy tool. At the local level, we support our members in developing their capacities. We aim to be a platform where members can meet, network, and learn from each other. Essentially, we strive to understand the best ways to promote Sport for All as a leading international organization.
What does it mean to be a TAFISA member?
First and foremost, it means being part of a family, part of a network. It means feeling part of something bigger: “I’m promoting Sport for All in my community, but I’m not alone.” What you do has value and is shared by many other organizations around the world. With TAFISA, you can share your experiences, connect with others, and build relationships.
For instance, you can participate in our free webinars, held every two months. It also depends on your needs. We have, for example, a Certified Leadership Course to train sports managers and leaders and enhance their impact in communities. We also offer coach training programs focusing on equality and women’s empowerment.
We share resources developed in our projects, and sometimes collaborate directly. But everything starts from the needs of our members. It’s always a dialogue: on one side, what we can offer from Frankfurt and through our network, and on the other, the needs and resources of the members—and where these two meet.
How does TAFISA help grassroots sports clubs, athletes, and coaches improve?
We are an organization based in Frankfurt with an international board. We cannot tell you exactly what to do in your local community. We provide guidelines, examples, and references, but you know your community best. That’s why we always work with organizations on the ground—they know the needs.
Our support can take various forms: sharing contacts or online resources, organizing training sessions. But it almost always goes through the local member, who is truly connected to the community. Our goal is always to collaborate to meet real community needs in a practical and meaningful way.
Towards a Future of Collaboration and Growth
This collaboration between OPES and TAFISA marks the beginning of a new phase for both organizations: a shared commitment to use sport as a catalyst for change and a tool to build stronger, more cohesive communities. With the support of an international network like TAFISA, OPES can expand its impact, integrate innovative policies, and foster the growth of local development projects.
The partnership reinforces the belief that sport is not only competition, but also inclusion, education, and health—values that continue to guide our daily actions. With enthusiasm and responsibility, we look to the future, ready to write new chapters of success together and transform the potential of sport into tangible reality for everyone, everywhere in the world.
