About GSSE · History

Genesis of the Games

Although the notion of organizing a multi-disciplinary sports competition amongst the smaller European states had been considered for some time, ideas first started to crystallize at the 1981 Olympic Congress in Baden-Baden.

In Los Angeles in 1984, representatives from the various interested countries drew up a blueprint for the proposed Games. Almost immediately the proposals were warmly received by the International Olympic Committee and its President, Juan Antonio Samaranch.

It was widely felt that the idea of a competitive games featuring these countries would succeed in furthering the spirit of the Olympic movement and its ideals, as well as reinforcing the hand of friendship between nations. Matters moved swiftly afterwards and the first Games of the Small States of Europe were held in 1985.

Since 1985, the Games have become an important date in Europe’s sporting calendar, and are celebrated fittingly. They take place every two years in one of the eight competing countries. All European states with a population of less than a million are eligible – although each must be a member of the International Olympic Movement and possess an autonomous Olympic Committee. The Games are played under I.O.C. rules and regulations.

The Games have their own International Committee and also an Executive Committee. The members of the latter are renewable by the General Assembly every two years. A separate Technical Committee is chaired by the Special Advisor to the I.O.C. on technical matters.

top