A Milestone in LGBTQI+ Sport and Leadership
The vibrant city of Vienna played host to an important event for the LGBTQI+ sports community during the EuroGames 2024, as 20 participants representing partners of the groundbreaking project "+PLUSS: LGBTQI+ Policy and Leadership in Sport and Society" gathered for a mid-term review on July 17th. This meeting marked a significant milestone as the project reached the halfway point of its intended lifespan, providing an opportunity to evaluate progress and reinforce strategies for future success.
Project Evaluation and Future Outlook
The mid-term review was a crucial moment for assessing the progress of the PLUSS project. Participants examined the project management processes and proudly concluded that no major adjustments were necessary at this time. The initial phase of the project effectively addressed potential challenges, laying a solid foundation for upcoming tasks. This validation of their efforts underscores the commitment of the partners to fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQI+ individuals in sports and society.
Strategic Development in Grassroots Sport Associations
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation by six grassroots sport associations involved in the PLUSS project. Each association shared its strategic plans focused on the four key GAME areas: governance, advocacy, membership, and events. These strategies are designed to foster development and growth within their organizations.
Specific indicators have been identified to measure progress, including the growth of membership, enhanced interactions with national mainstream sports entities, and other metrics to evaluate the success of their initiatives. Over the next 10 months, these strategies will be implemented with the support of mentors and action learning sessions, ensuring a dynamic and responsive approach to challenges and opportunities within the LGBTQI+ sports community.
Research on the LGBTQI+ Sport Movement
The German Sport University of Cologne, another vital partner in the PLUSS project, shared updates on its research efforts during the meeting. This research focuses on collecting quantitative data to document the history of the LGBTQI+ sport movement across Europe. So far, approximately 200 LGBTQI+ sports clubs and groups from across the continent have participated, providing valuable insights into the development and impact of these organizations. The research aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the LGBTQI+ sports landscape, informing future policies and initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity.
Outreach and Community Engagement
In addition to the meeting, Michele Mommi, the PLUSS project coordinator, took center stage on July 19th during the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) reception at the EuroGames Community Tent. Mommi's presentation highlighted the project’s achievements and ongoing research efforts, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement with the broader community.
The presentation served as an important platform to disseminate research findings and increase awareness of the project’s objectives, further cementing the PLUSS project’s role in advocating for LGBTQI+ inclusivity in sports and society.
Stay Connected with the PLUSS Project
As the PLUSS project progresses, staying informed and engaged is crucial. Follow the project’s journey and updates through our social media channels, newsletters, and the dedicated PLUSS section on the EGLSF website. By doing so, you can actively support the mission to create a more inclusive and equitable sports environment for everyone.
The PLUSS project continues to be a beacon of progress and innovation in the LGBTQI+ sports community, driving change and fostering leadership and inclusivity. The mid-term meeting in Vienna not only celebrated the achievements so far but also set the stage for continued success in the months to come.
Keep up to date through our social media, newsletter and the PLUSS dedicated section in the
EGLSF webpage! +PLUSS PROJECT - EGLSF.info
Leave A Comment