The SPAR European Cup returns to France for the fourth time in the history of this most prestigious event.
We all remember well the fantastic competition and enthusiastic crowd which made the Cup such an outstanding success in Paris in 1999. Since then many other great athletic events were held in France. The SPAR European Cup brings together the most powerful teams of Europe’s athletic elite. It is one of the major highlights of this year's athletic calendar.

 Hansjörg Wirz
EAA President

As a team competition the SPAR European Cup is particularly important for the federations and for the athletes as it provides an excellent opportunity to build up team spirit as the basis of results of the highest level. Numerous world class athletes have always felt honoured to represent their country in the SPAR European Cup.

In addition this year’s Cup has an additional value: The two best teams will automatically qualify to represent Europe at the World Cup in Madrid later this year and the first six teams will qualify for the 1st European Indoor Cup in 2003.
The high quality of the athletes will be perfectly matched by the great 

organisational skills of Annecy and the French Athletic Federation and by the appreciative support of knowledgeable athletic fans whose encouragement will assist all athletes in their efforts.

New forms of presentation of athletics are being introduced to support and cradle the competition and make the occasion enjoyable for all.
The European Athletic Association is grateful to the Local Organising Committee in Annecy and the “Fédération Française d’Athlétisme” for the excellent preparations and presentation of the SPAR European Cup 2002.