FK Cēsis’s Karīna Martinova joins Council of Europe democracy event in Strasbourg

FK Cēsis Media Director and women’s team player Karīna Martinova represented Latvia at the Council of Europe’s Hack the Hate, Renew Democracy event in Strasbourg, France, from June 17-19, 2026. Her selection highlights how women’s football leaders are taking on broader roles in civic engagement, media, and community building.

Why it matters: - Karīna Martinova’s selection puts a Latvian women’s football leader on a European stage focused on hate speech, democratic security, and civic participation. - The appointment reinforces FK Cēsis’s push to develop athletes who contribute beyond sport. - Martinova’s role is especially relevant for women and underrepresented groups, where safe democratic participation remains a key issue.

What happened: - Karīna Martinova, FK Cēsis’s Media Director and a player on the club’s women’s team, was selected to represent Latvia at the Council of Europe’s “Hack the Hate, Renew Democracy” Democracy Hackathon and No Hate Speech Week conference. - The event took place June 17-19, 2026, in Strasbourg, France. - The gathering was organized by the Council of Europe and supported by the European Union. - Martinova joined a delegation that included youth leaders, media professionals, policymakers, technologists and civil society representatives from across Europe.

The details: - The conference focused on hate speech, democratic security and practical solutions under the New Democratic Pact for Europe. - Martinova contributed to discussions on safe democratic participation. - Those discussions centered on women and underrepresented groups. - FK Cēsis said Martinova’s work has helped expand the club’s community engagement, media outreach and youth-focused initiatives. - Kevin Doyle, the club’s majority owner, said Martinova represents leadership, inclusion and community impact. - Doyle also said her selection highlights the growing impact of Latvian women’s football in driving positive social change beyond the pitch. - Martinova said the event connected her interests in media, youth empowerment and community building with broader European efforts to combat hate speech and strengthen democracy. - Martinova said she looks forward to bringing those insights back to FK Cēsis and the local community. - FK Cēsis is based in Cēsis, Latvia, and focuses on athlete development, community engagement and opportunities in both men’s and women’s football.

Between the lines: - The selection gives FK Cēsis added visibility in a policy and civic forum, not just a sports setting. - Martinova’s profile shows how club roles in media and community work can translate into broader public leadership. - The club is positioning women’s football as a platform for social impact as well as competition.

What’s next: - Martinova is expected to bring ideas from the Strasbourg event back to FK Cēsis. - FK Cēsis says it will continue its focus on developing athletes and leaders who contribute on and off the field. - The club also plans to keep expanding its youth development and civic initiatives.

The bottom line: - FK Cēsis is using Martinova’s selection to showcase women’s football as a pathway to civic leadership, media influence and community impact. - More information is available in the club’s announcement and on its Instagram page.