European Games

The European Games is a continental multi-sport event in the Olympic tradition contested by athletes from European nations and several transcontinental countries. The Games were envisioned and are governed by the European Olympic Committees (EOC).Created by the idea of François Herzog and West German and Swiss Olympic Committees, they act as European championships for certain disciplines.

History
Launched in 1959 by Frenchman Maurice Herzog, then Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, the idea was then supported by Germany and Switzerland. This concordance of views will lead to a proposal for organization in the Rhine region. Of all the regional areas, only Europe therefore remained devoid of Regional Games. However, the project has existed for a long time. In 1960, an initiative of the Soviet National Olympic Committee (NOC) see the adoption by 14 NOCs meeting in Rome sees the adoption of a resolution to this effect. An agreement is reached, Moscow will host the first games in August 1962 and Essen (West Germany) the next ones which must take place in 1966.

The first edition is dominated by the Soviet Union, hosting nation obtains a total of 83 medals including 37 golds medals, the main competitors in the medal table was Great Britain (10 golds),the surprising Netherlands and Hungary (9 golds), although East Germany and Italy won more medals. This edition is a disappointment for West Germany, Sweden and Finland who used to perform in registered sports. Among the significant events, we will retain the first european Field Hockey won by Great Britain who wins all matches against his 5 opponents (Spain, West Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland) by at least 3 goals difference and the duels in the final between Turkish and Bulgarian wrestlers.

List of Sports
Confirmed sports at inaugural edition

Discipline bringing together their European championship at the European Games:
 * Athletics
 * Boxing
 * Field Hockey
 * Swimming
 * Volleyball
 * Water-polo
 * Wrestling

Discipline designating a winner of the European Games:
 * Archery
 * Cycling
 * Fencing
 * Shooting