The EuroGames 2024 in Vienna was a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and sports. From July 17th to 19th, the event was not only a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, but also an opportunity to highlight important initiatives aimed at fostering equality in sports. Among these initiatives was the Erasmus+ project, "Sport for all Genders and Sexualities" (SGS), in collaboration with the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF).

A Collaborative Effort for Inclusion

The Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation hosted the final event of the SGS project. This meeting brought together EGLSF and its partners to review the project's achievements and plan the final activities. The focus was on strategizing effective ways to disseminate the project’s outcomes and maximize their impact across Europe.

Key Outcomes of the SGS Project

During the Sports Conference at the Austrian Ministry of Sport, the project partners shared the main results of the SGS initiative. The project aimed to address discrimination in sports and dismantle barriers faced by transgender athletes, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women. Key measures developed through the project included:

  • Institutionalized Dialogue: Establishing ongoing communication channels between sports organizations and LGBTQ+ communities to ensure continuous advocacy for inclusivity.
  • Guidelines for Inclusion: Developing comprehensive guidelines to help sports organizations create more inclusive environments for all genders and sexualities.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Launching campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized groups in sports and to promote acceptance and diversity.
  • Inclusive Trainings: Conducting training sessions for coaches, athletes, and sports officials to foster an understanding of inclusivity and equip them with the tools to support diverse teams.

Planning for the Future

The SGS partnership meeting was an essential step in strategizing the dissemination of these developed measures and methods. The partners focused on identifying the most effective ways to implement the guidelines and awareness campaigns across various sports organizations in Europe.

The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration with national and regional sports bodies, educational institutions, and advocacy groups to ensure the project’s initiatives reach a wide audience. The partners also discussed potential partnerships with media outlets to amplify the message of inclusion and equality in sports.

Breaking Down Barriers

The SGS project represents a significant step forward in promoting gender and sexual diversity in sports. By addressing the unique challenges faced by transgender athletes, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women, the project aims to create a more inclusive sports environment where everyone can participate freely and safely.

As the EuroGames 2024 came to a close, the SGS partnership left Vienna with a renewed commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality in sports. The project's legacy will continue to inspire change and break down barriers for athletes across Europe and beyond.

In conclusion, the SGS meeting during the EuroGames 2024 in Vienna highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of continued efforts to make sports accessible and inclusive for all, regardless of gender or sexuality.

EU co-funded project “SGS – Sport for all Genders and Sexualities”, aiming to promote an inclusive sports culture for all persons regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity in European grassroot sports.

VISIT THE PROJECT PAGE HERE