Pride Sports Cymru is celebrating after a successful bid for Cardiff to host EuroGames 2027. The result comes after a tightly contested vote at the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) Annual General Assembly in Antwerp.
EuroGames is the largest Europe-wide multi-sport event for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies in Europe and aims to accommodate athletes of a range of abilities and experience. The first EuroGames was held in The Hague in 1992 and the event in Cardiff in 2027 will be the 24th edition. It has never previously been held in the UK.
Lou Englefield, Pride Sports Director, says of the outcome: “We’re delighted to be bringing a EuroGames to Wales. It is a huge privilege for Pride Sports Cymru. Hosting a EuroGames is an opportunity to showcase Cardiff as a world class sporting city, and to highlight Wales’ commitment to become the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe.”
Joining Lou on the team for Cardiff 2027 are Charlotte Galloway, Chair of Cardiff Dragons FC and Jess Williams, Head of Service and Partner Development at Sport Wales.
Cardiff EuroGames 2027 will bring a programme of 27 sports, including touch rugby, volleyball and tennis, along with more than 5,000 athletes to the city. Pride Sports Cymru is working with many of Cardiff’s LGBTQ+ sports groups as well as Welsh governing bodies of sport to realise their plans for the event. Alongside the competition schedule, a EuroGames also includes opening and closing ceremonies, a cultural programme and a Games village planned for the heart of the city.
With upwards of 10,000 athletes, visitors and volunteers attending the event and existing facilities being used for the sports competitions, a EuroGames is also set to generate millions for the local economy.
The team are working on a robust legacy plan for the Games, which will see a growth in sport and physical activity amongst LGBTQ+ people in Wales, and the growth of community organised sports in Cardiff.
Team member Jess Williams explains: “A EuroGames in Wales will be transformative for LGBTQ+ people in sport, and indeed the whole community. The legacy the games will create, and opportunity for positive change is enormous. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our beautiful capital city.”
Pride Sports is the longest standing LGBTQ+ sports development and inclusion organisation in the UK, working across England and Wales to ensure LGBTQ+ people get access to safe and fulfilling sport and physical activity.
Established in 2006 in Manchester, Pride Sports also runs the well-known Football v Homophobia campaign and has been working for over eight years in Wales, last year launching its official Pride Sports Cymru brand.
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