EuroGames: Europe's largest LGBTIQ+ sports festival kicks off in Vienna

EuroGames 2024, Europe's largest LGBTIQ+ sports festival, which is being held in Vienna for the first time this year, kicks off on Wednesday in Vienna.

4,000 sports fans from all over Europe have registered for the EuroGames, which starts on Wednesday and will run until next Saturday, fighting for victory under the motto of diversity and inclusion. 31 sports are being played at venues in twelve Vienna districts. 50 nations and all age groups are taking part, with the oldest participant being 88 years old.

For Tina, a transgender woman from Slovenia, this is already the fifth edition of the EuroGames, as she revealed in an interview with APA. She competes in badminton: “I’m a little nervous. But it’s all over after the first match.” She was still very excited about her debut: “I didn’t know what to expect.” Now she knows that it’s not all about winning: “I just love participating in the European Games. It makes me relax. You get to meet new people from all countries. There’s an appreciative atmosphere. You feel like you’re part of a community.” Over the years, Tina said she has made lasting friendships through the EuroGames, which have spanned from Denmark to Italy and Croatia.

Assets

The EuroGames were launched in the 1990s as a gay-friendly event and have since become an integral part of sports fans within the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies. They have been held in a different European city since 1992. Now, for the first time, an Austrian organizer is taking part in Vienna, something that the city’s mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) is pleased to note.

“Vienna is considered the most liveable city in the world – and for good reason. This high quality of life is not a coincidence or a fluke. It is the result of the commitment and solidarity of the Viennese people, backed by smart political decisions. As Mayor of Vienna, I am particularly pleased that the European Games are being held here for the first time. Because the EuroGames promote respectful cooperation and social cohesion – both cornerstones of the quality of life in Vienna,” says Ludwig in his greetings to the participants of EuroGames Vienna.

Supports

The City of Vienna and the Ministry of Sports are supporting the event with 150,000 euros each, and Vienna is also providing numerous sports facilities for this purpose. “The world of sports is as diverse as the people themselves, but one thing always remains the same: Vienna is a city for everyone and a place that has long become one of the world's elite for international competitions,” emphasized Peter Hacker, City Councillor for Sports (SPÖ) in a press release. “With its diverse society, Vienna is not only the rainbow capital of Austria, but also of Europe and sets international standards in the field of LGBT equality,” added Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS).

Before the opening of the event, Minister of Sport Werner Kogler (Greens) stressed “the government’s commitment to promoting an inclusive and equal society. This event shows that sport is a unifying factor that breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of community.” He described the European Games as “a strong sign of diversity and respect in sport.” Kogler called for everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or identity, to have the opportunity to play sport and develop.

impact

“It’s time to show the traditional sports world that sport can be welcoming, inclusive, fair and inclusive, while still being highly competitive. We know the transformative impact that inclusive and queer sport can have,” said the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF). Of the 4,000 participants at EuroGames Vienna, more than 1,300 are FLINTA (female, lesbian, non-binary, transgender and intersex, note). That’s 500 more than last year, when Bern was the venue for the European Games.

In addition to football, tennis and swimming, which registered the most registrations with over 500 participants, there are also less popular sports on the EuroGames Vienna programme. In addition to numerous running competitions on the Prater, a two-day golf tournament will also be held at the Golfpark Vienna in Süßenbrunn. Martial arts fans can compete in boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ or MMA at the Rappachgasse training centre.

help

Martial arts and roller derby are particularly targeted at transgender and non-binary people. There are no gender specifications for bowling, bridge, darts, floorball, mini golf, petanque, squash, table football and table tennis. Athletes from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe who face limited or no LGBT rights in their home countries have been supported through an outreach programme. This has enabled over 100 athletes to participate for free.

The first competitions will take place on Wednesday, starting with tennis and badminton. The event will be officially opened on Wednesday evening by Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) in the European Games Village on Karlsplatz. Some 500 volunteers are expected to be involved to ensure the smooth running of the main event. “For four days, LGBT athletes will dominate Vienna, playing sports together and having fun under the motto ‘Embracing Diversity’. It shows that respect, justice and diversity are also compatible in sport,” said Maria Schenko and Gerhard Marchl, President and CEO of EuroGames Vienna 2024.

entertainment

In addition to sports, entertainment will not be neglected either. The EuroGames Village on Karlsplatz offers a varied support programme, including concerts by Conchita Wurst and Clara Luzia, film screenings and workshops. (APA)