Stockholm to host EuroGames 2015

The European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) has appointed Stockholm the host of EuroGames 2015. EuroGames is one of the biggest LGBTQ events in the world, and comprises a cultural, political, and sports program. EuroGames is open to everyone who wants to participate, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or religion.

HISTORY & BACKGROUND:

EuroGames was founded in 1992 by EGLSF to fight discrimination, encourage integration, and to promote and support the right to pursue one’s sport independently of sexuality. EuroGames is held about three times per decade. Previous host cities include Barcelona, Paris, London and Antwerp.

The initiative is part of the City of Stockholm’s strategy to market Stockholm internationally to the LGBTQ segment. Support for the application was initiated by Christina Guggenberger, Project Manager Stockholm Gay & Lesbian Network, which assembled LGBTQ sports institutions that operate in Stockholm.

"Stockholm is known worldwide as an open, welcoming destination. The EuroGames Stockholm event is completely consistent with Stockholm’s aim to be one of Europe’s leading event cities. We are happy and proud to be able to support EuroGames Stockholm, says Regina Kevius, Stockholm’s sports commissioner

"EuroGames will give Stockholm the chance to set an example and serve as a model within gay and bisexual issues. This is vitally important in light of the frightening developments we’re seeing in Russia and parts of Eastern Europe. Nationally, we have the chance to open up to questions about queer and transgender athletics, and to fight the tragic statistics showing that a major portion of LGBTQ youth quit playing organized sports, says Jakob Jansson, Chairperson of EuroGames Stockholm

ABOUT EUROGAMES STOCKHOLM

EuroGames Stockholm will take place between August 5-9, 2015, and is expected to draw over 5,000 participants and more than 200,000 visitors from Sweden and all over the world. Visitors will have free admission to all sporting events and even to some public parts of the cultural and political program.

The EuroGames Stockholm cultural program will offer exhibitions, activities, attractions and a film festival. The political program will feature a big conference with seminars, workshops, and lectures, as well as a political lunch for national and international participants. The sports program will offer around 25 sports, and EuroGames welcomes one and all to compete, participate, and get involved. The preliminary program is attached.

As part of the EuroGames Stockholm vision, the organization will also hold seminars and training programs in LGBTQ issues in sport within Idrottsförvaltningen ( Stockholm Sports Administration) and its facilities, as well as affiliated associations.

EuroGames Stockholm will also collaborate with the UEFA Champions League Tyresö FF, one of the best women’s football clubs in the world. The aim of the collaboration is to focus on equality and the right of all women to pursue their sports, an initiative that Tyresö FF has worked on extensively with United Nations Women.

For more information, interviews or press pictures, please contact:

Kim Nilsson, EuroGames Stockholm, kim@eurogamesstockholm.com
Anette Craas, City of Stockholm, anette.craas@stockholm.se, +46 076-122 77 21

EuroGames Stockholm 2015 is organized with
CITY OF STOCKHOLM  |  IDROTTSFÖRVALNTNINGEN  |  STOCKHOLMS IDROTTSFÖRBUND |  RFSL  |  TYRESÖ MUNICIPALITY  |  TYRESÖ FF