As part of the EuroGames Lyon 2025 programme, EGLSF hosted a conference titled “Fighting Discrimination, Building Inclusion: The Legacy of EuroGames for LGBTQI+ Rights in Sport”, highlighting, among other great initiatives on the topic, the Erasmus+ +PLUSS project and its impact on LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport.

The conference, which took place in the majestic Grand Salon of Hôtel de Ville, opened with speeches by Grégory Doucet, Mayor of Lyon, and Auròre Bergé, France’s Minister for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination. They emphasised sport’s role in shaping inclusive urban culture and committing policy efforts to combat discrimination. Their participation strengthened the connection between local commitment and national policy, positioning the PLUSS outcomes as instruments for change beyond the sporting community.

PLUSS Results at the Forefront

The conference’s opening session focused on promoting LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport, drawing directly from PLUSS’s research, policy, and community tools (download the session's presentation here).

The project, coordinated by EGLSF within the ERASMUS+ framework, presented its main results on inclusion in sport, mainly:
• A Research Report with an illustrated narrative on LGBTQI+ sport in Europe
• Community Guidelines to foster inclusive and sustainable sports organisations
• A Policy Paper with clear recommendations for policymakers and sports authorities

These materials were presented at the conference to emphasise evidence-based approaches to inclusion and supported the discussions in the following sessions. Additionally, the illustrated story was showcased with beautiful physical posters displayed around the room where the conference took place.

Conference Agenda Highlights

Beyond the PLUSS section, other meaningful conversations included:

  • “Strengthening Social Commitment via FIER?SPORT” — Detailing how labels can support sports organisations in embedding inclusion within their structure.
  • “Combating Discrimination: Local Insights” — Key findings and policy ideas derived from experiences within Lyon, Villeurbanne, and the Métropole

A full roster of expert speakers brought depth to the dialogue, including representatives from Fondation FIER, Cargo/UFOLEP, Ville de Lyon and local sports authorities.

Why It Matters

By centring PLUSS resources at the heart of this conference, EGLSF ensured that the conference served as a bridge:
• From evidence and research to actionable strategies
• From organisational tools to policy-level recommendations
• From discussion to lasting impact through follow-up meetings and plans

With a fully booked venue and support from local leaders and national institutions, the Lyon conference highlighted sport as a catalyst for inclusion. Concentrating on the PLUSS project's initiatives, it demonstrated how practical tools are available to anyone seeking to promote fairer, safer sporting environments.

In the coming months, the work within PLUSS will go forward, with the ultimate goal of making sure LGBTQI+ people can take part in sport without fear, and with full recognition.

PLUSS, an Erasmus+ project co-funded by the European Commission

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EGLSF webpage! +PLUSS PROJECT - EGLSF.info