Marseille Rainbow Sports Launches "Open Sport Youth" Program to Empower LGBTQI+ Youth in Sport

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Marseille Rainbow Sports (MARS) officially launched the "Open Sport Youth - Sporting Opportunities for LGBTQI+ Youth" program, with the first in a series of taster sessions designed to introduce local LGBTQI+ youth to a variety of sports. This initiative aims to create inclusive pathways for LGBTQI+ young people to engage in regular sports activities and foster a sense of belonging within the local sports community.

The Open Sport Youth program is part of a broader effort driven by the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) to increase youth participation in the EuroGames and empower future generations in the sports world. As emphasized in the ENGSO Youth position paper on “Participation of LGBTQI+ Youth in Sport Governance,” the focus is on inclusivity and community-building through sport, helping LGBTQI+ youth develop valuable skills and competencies in both sports and equality.

Building Bridges through Sport

The day’s activities kicked off with an insightful introduction by Sarah Townsend, EGLSF Equality Commission member and former co-president, who highlighted the advocacy work of EGLSF and the significance of the EuroGames multisport tournament. She was followed by Alessia De Lulis, ENGSO Youth Committee member and project manager, who introduced the work of ENGSO and its commitment to youth empowerment and inclusion in sport.

The training series includes introductory sessions across various sports, such as volleyball, football, athletics, table tennis, and pétanque. The goal of these sessions is to offer welcoming, low-barrier entry points for LGBTQI+ youth who may have faced exclusion in the past—whether due to personal challenges, structural discrimination, or a lack of accessible sports opportunities. This initiative also aims to support migrant LGBTQI+ youth, providing them with a safe and inclusive space to form friendships, engage in physical activity, and improve their mental and physical well-being.

Fostering an Inclusive Sports Environment

The launch event underscored MARS’s mission to create an inclusive and supportive sports environment where everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, or migratory status—can participate freely and without fear of discrimination. Damien B., President of MARS, emphasized the significance of this program in achieving that goal. “This initiative marks an essential step toward creating a sports community where LGBTQI+ youth can thrive, build confidence, and engage in activities that promote equality and well-being,” he said.

The Open Sport Youth program is made possible through collaboration with several key Marseille-based organizations, each contributing to its broader impact:

  • Le Refuge: Supporting LGBTQI+ youth in precarious situations.
  • Refuge Migrant·es LGBT+ (RML): Advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ migrants.
  • AIDES: Working to combat HIV, viral hepatitis, and the associated discrimination.

A Step Toward Empowerment

The "Open Sport Youth" program was supported through a regranting opportunity under the "Youth in the Decision Making - Equality and Sport" initiative, which aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become active participants in the sporting community. The project creates opportunities for LGBTQI+ youth to take on leadership roles and influence the future of sports governance, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are heard and valued.

By providing these opportunities, MARS and its partners are not only promoting physical activity but also contributing to building a more inclusive and diverse sports culture. Through sport, LGBTQI+ youth will gain the tools they need to challenge exclusion and empower themselves and their peers.

The program’s introductory sessions will continue throughout the coming months, offering LGBTQI+ youth a range of sporting experiences to help them feel supported, engaged, and connected.

For more information about the Open Sport Youth program and how to get involved, please visit here.