What are the EuroGames?

EuroGames are the premier multi-sports event celebrating diversity in sexual orientation, sex characteristics and gender identity. Our main goal is to provide a safe space for everyone to come together and play sports. EuroGames are primarily geared towards LGBTIQ athletes (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer), but are open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age and skill level.

Why is there a need for EuroGames?

Even today the world of sports is not open to everyone. Some athletes are barred from competition based on their gender identity. Others experience a hostile atmosphere that forces them to hide their sexual orientation from their team mates, their coach and the public eye. Others again live in a country that persecutes them based on their identity. EuroGames are a place where none of this matters. Where people can unite and play sports, regardless of who they are.

Do I have to be LGBTIQ to participate in EuroGames?

No. In fact we explicitly welcome all allies, LGBTIQ-friendly and open-minded participants to EuroGames. We believe that opening up our community will set an example for the sports world and bring about change. Our only condition is that all participants agree to our terms of fair play and our gender policy.

Europe’s biggest LGBTIQ sporting event

We are looking forward to hosting Europe’s biggest LGBTIQ sporting event in Bern and are excited to welcome between 3500 and 4000 athletes to compete and celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Why is there a need for EuroGames?

Even today the world of sports is not open to everyone. Some athletes are barred from competition based on their gender identity. Others experience a hostile atmosphere that forces them to hide their sexual orientation from their team mates, their coach and the public eye. Others again live in a country that persecutes them based on their identity. The EuroGames are a place where none of this matters. Where people can unite and play sports, regardless of who they are.

Do I have to be LGBTIQ to participate in the EuroGames?

No. In fact we explicitly welcome heterosexual participants to the EuroGames. We believe that opening up our community will set an example for the sports world and bring about change. Our only condition is that all participants agree to our terms of fair play and our gender policy.

Europe’s biggest LGBTIQ sporting event

We expect to welcome between 3500 and 4000 athletes in Bern – provided the ongoing pandemic allows it.

 

The goals of EuroGames Bern 2023

  • Promoting the inclusion and eman­cipa
tion of LGBTIQ persons in sport.
  • Enabling and supporting the visibility of 
LGBTIQ athletes in both amateur and 
professional sports.
  • Combating homophobia and transpho
bia in sport.
  • Demonstrating innovation by organising competitions beyond the gender binary.

Who organises EuroGames?

30 years of inclusion in sports: EuroGames have been held regularly since 1992 . The European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) owns the trademark and licenses the right to host EuroGames to its approximately 130 member clubs. Members of Gay and Lesbian Sport Bern GLSBe were successful in their bid to host EuroGames 2023 following a vote by EGLSF members in July 2020.

A European tradition

Many cities have hosted EuroGames in the past: Rome in 2019 and Copenhagen in 2021. Nijmegen is host city 2022. Zurich was the first and so far only Swiss city to hold the EuroGames in 2000.

Overseas participants are welcome

Are you an athlete or member of a team from outside of Europe? You are more than welcome to participate in EuroGames Bern 2023.

Any questions?

We are happy to answer them.
Say hello at: info@eurogames2023.ch