The EuroGames Vienna 2024 was more than just a sports event; it was a resounding celebration of unity, pride, and human rights. As the largest LGBTIQ+ sporting event in Europe, it set a new benchmark not just for athletic competition but also for inclusivity, advocacy, and community solidarity. Hosted in the vibrant Austrian capital, the event brought together thousands of participants from across the world, showcasing the power of sports to unite and inspire.

Opening ceremony (c) Martin Darling

Sports, Solidarity, and Celebration: A World-Class Event

EuroGames Vienna 2024 hosted a diverse array of sports, from traditional competitions like soccer and swimming to newer activities such as esports and cheerleading. The event was a platform for athletes to express themselves, compete at the highest level, and foster friendships beyond the sporting arena. This year’s EuroGames were especially memorable for the way they bridged the gap between performance and representation, emphasizing that athletic excellence and community pride can coexist seamlessly.

But the EuroGames were not just about competition—they were about creating a sense of belonging. The inclusive spirit was felt not just in the playing fields and courts but also in the city’s streets, with vibrant parades and celebrations that encouraged participation from everyone, regardless of background. It was a powerful display of how sports can be both a personal triumph and a communal statement.

The Human Rights Connection

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, celebrated every December 10th, the EGLSF (European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation) took a moment to reflect on the profound impact that EuroGames Vienna 2024 had on the wider LGBTIQ+ community and human rights discourse. The games were more than an opportunity to showcase athletic talent—they were a critical moment for advocating equality, safety, and acceptance. The event proved that sports can be a powerful catalyst for social change, sparking dialogue and fostering an environment where human rights are both protected and promoted.

The support of city and country institutions was crucial in making this event a reality. The city of Vienna, renowned for its progressive policies and inclusive atmosphere, embraced EuroGames Vienna 2024 as a symbol of its commitment to human rights and equality. The backing of local government officials and various institutions underscored the importance of sports as a platform for advocacy, serving as an example for other cities and nations.

We Were Delighted to Have a Welcoming Video Message from President Alexander Van der Bellen

We were delighted to have a warm and welcoming video message from Alexander Van der Bellen, the Federal President of the Republic of Austria. In his message, President Van der Bellen extended his greetings to all participants of EuroGames Vienna 2024, reinforcing the event's importance as a celebration of both athleticism and equality. He addressed attendees not only during the EuroGames Vienna 2024 Conference “Out in Sport: How Sport Can Unite and Not Divide” on July 17th, 2024, at the House of Sports but also at the Opening Ceremony on Karlsplatz that evening. His message highlighted Austria’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting the LGBTIQ+ community through sporting events that bring people together.

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Out in Sport: How Sport Can Unite and Not Divide – The LGBTIQ+ Sports Conference

The EuroGames Vienna 2024 LGBTIQ+ Sports Conference was a key part of the event, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, athletes, and advocates to discuss the role of sports in building community and breaking down barriers. The conference, held on July 17th, was hosted by Viktoria Mall and set the stage for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

The event opened with remarks from Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria, alongside notable figures such as Werner Kogler, Federal Minister for Sport, V?ra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission, and Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Their presence underscored the importance of addressing inclusivity within sports at both the national and international levels.

Why Host EuroGames in Vienna?
The panel discussion titled “Why Host EuroGames in Vienna?” highlighted the city's rich history of championing human rights and its forward-thinking approach to inclusivity. Key participants included:

  • Yvonne Rychly, Member of the Vienna City Council, who spoke about Vienna’s dedication to equality and the role of sports in fostering a culture of acceptance.
  • Dieter Brosz, Head of the Department for Sport and Society, Ministry for Sport (BMKÖS), emphasized the Austrian government’s commitment to supporting events that promote diversity and inclusion.
  • Ulrike Lunacek, a member of the EuroGames Vienna 2024 organizing team and former Vice-President of the European Parliament, highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTIQ+ athletes.
  • Erika Patrikainen, General Secretary of the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), shared insights into the broader impact of hosting EuroGames on the visibility and rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.
  • Viktoria Schnaderbeck, a former professional football player, national team captain, and now a lecturer and speaker, brought a unique athlete's perspective on the transformative power of inclusive sports.

Addressing Inclusion and Challenging Barriers

Throughout the conference, speakers addressed the challenges in making sports accessible to all, with particular attention to the inclusion of trans-, inter-, and non-binary athletes. Nikola Staritz and Remi Jokiranta shed light on the systemic changes needed to ensure that sports are welcoming for everyone, regardless of gender identity. Discussions also tackled the role of gender norms and how patriarchal attitudes continue to impact participation and visibility in sports. Experts like Stefanie Auf dem Berge and Claudia Koller shared research and best practices for challenging these outdated structures.

Elsa Arapi, Matthias Führer, and Julian Hadschieff contributed to conversations on how sports can be more inclusive and accessible to marginalized communities, sharing both challenges and solutions. The conference was not just a gathering of ideas; it was a platform for action, with a clear message that fostering inclusion in sports benefits society as a whole.

The contributions of Hugh Torrance from EGLSF and Erika Patrikainen resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that LGBTIQ+ athletes can participate without fear of discrimination. Their participation reinforced the commitment of EGLSF to advance equal opportunities and amplify the voices of LGBTIQ+ communities across Europe.

Youtube Link

A Call to Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

EuroGames Vienna 2024 demonstrated that sports can indeed be a force for unity and progress. The conference and associated discussions, enriched by the support of public officials and prominent figures, made clear that change is achievable through collective action and community engagement. From the reflections shared during the opening speech to the thought-provoking panels that followed, the message was loud and clear: sports can unite us, inspire us, and lead us towards a future where inclusivity is the norm.

The legacy of EuroGames Vienna 2024 will be felt for years to come, both in the hearts of those who participated and in the policies that shape future LGBTIQ+ events and advocacy. It was a moment to not just celebrate diversity but to affirm the importance of championing human rights and making sport a place where everyone belongs.

During our Annual General Assembly in Antwerp, members voted to implement a shortened bidding cycle aimed at bringing the EuroGames to the Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) region. This decision sparked meaningful discussions, and we’re hopeful that it will lead to actionable proposals that align with our vision of hosting EuroGames in a CEE country.

However, the Board has determined that progress on a viable proposal isn’t yet sufficient for presentation at the 2025 AGA. As a result, we have decided to initiate a standard bidding process for EuroGames 2028.

This means the bidding period will be shorter, with a submission deadline set for December 31, 2024. Proposals will be presented at the AGA in March 2025, as usual.

  • You can download the bidding manual here.