EuroGames Stockholm 2015 can now present parts of the political programme that will be held at Kulturhuset in Stockholm between August 6th to 8 in 2015. The programme includes fifteen exciting items, consisting of lectures, speeches and panel conversations with participants that will include the Puerto Rican professional boxer Orlando Cruz, the former long jumper and sprinter Peter Häggström and Sweden's Minister for Health Care, Public Health and Sport Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Gabriel Wikström. Within these, questions concerning heteronormativity and resistance in sports will be raised. EuroGames Stockholm 2015 is held between August 5th – August 9th 2015.

The purpose of the Political programme is to create a safe environment where issues relating to the discourse of LGBTQ and sports can be discussed.

- To me sport is, when sport is at its best, about health and belonging. By highlighting and discussing the issue of sport and LGBTQ, the aim with the Political programme is social and political change. We want that all athletes, regardless of gender, gender expression and sexual orientation, should feel welcome and fully involved in their sport, says Fia Hjelte, Director of the Political Programme.

EuroGames Stockholm 2015 is a sport, cultural and political event that will take place between 5th and 9th of August in Stockholm, Sweden. The event welcomes all - regardless of gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or religious affiliation. The purpose is to provide a safe and secure environment, and the goal is to attract over 5.000 participants and 200.000 visitors from all over the world.

The programme includes fifteen exciting items, consisting of lectures, speeches and panel conversations with participants that will include the Puerto Rican professional boxerOrlando Cruz, the current world champion in professional boxing Mikaela Laurén, the former long jumper and sprinter Peter Häggström and Sweden's Minister for Health Care, Public Health and Sport Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Gabriel Wikström.

The German football player Bianca Rech, World Cup Champion in arm wrestling Jonna Blind, RFSL’s President Ulrika Westerlund, RFSL’s Vice President Christian Antoni Møllerop, actress and transgender activist Aleksa Lundberg, Stockholm Snipersamong others will also participate in the political programme.

Examples of programme items: 

”A conversation with Orlando Cruz” 

Mikaela Laurén, current world champion in professional boxing, interviewing Orlando Cruz about his experience of "coming out" during an active career as a professional boxer. 

”An Olympic coming out story” 

A story of the struggle and importance of being yourself to be able to perform at a top level. Lecturer is Peter Häggström, a former long jumper and sprinter, who has won six Swedish championships and has competed in the Olympic Games. 

"Public health and diversity" 

Sweden's Minister for Health Care, Public Health and Sport Ministry of Health and Social Affairs Gabriel Wikström will talk about the government's ambitions about sport, diversity and LGBTQ. 

”An alternative way of transitioning” 

This lecture focuses on how training and nutrition can help us express ourselves; as male, female or something else. Lecturer is Kian Sigge, a Physical Educator and Personal Trainer. 

”Sporting events for everyone!” 

A panel conversation about why sporting events for everyone, regardless of sex, gender expression and sexual orientation, exists. Certain prerequisites for these types of events, in regards to policies and security, and what these arrangements can lead to for participants and audiences, will be discussed. Participants are Jakob Jansson, EuroGames Stockholm 2015 and Konstantin Yablotskiy, Open Games Russia 2014. 

”Football for everyone!” 

A panel conversation about norms within football with players, supporters and researchers, as well as moderator Sofia B. Karlsson. In the conversation questions regarding norms and football culture will be raised, in regards to the playing field and among supporters. How can we work together to increase equanimity, inclusion and diversity?

 

Press release June 17 2015, more info here