Eurogames kick-off: a sporting event "under the banner of inclusivity and diversity"

From July 23 to 26, 5,500 athletes from around the world will champion inclusive sport and diversity at the EuroGames in Lyon. The event kicked off at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, in the presence of Lyon Mayor Grégory Doucet and several elected officials. "We know that beyond the sporting events, there will be a lot of joy, a great spirit, and great solidarity," the mayor announced.

In addition to the sporting events held every day in different locations across the Metropolis, round tables, concerts, entertainment, and stands will punctuate the life of the EuroGames village located on Place du Maréchal Lyautey. The objective of this event, according to Grégory Doucet: "To show the image of a city of Lyon that is open, humanist, and committed to equality, where everyone can live who they are ," in a context where violence against people from the LGBTQIA+ community continues to increase.

With 5,500 athletes from around the world, the Eurogames aim to promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and diversity in sport. Sports competitions will therefore be "at the heart of the event," as the mayor of Lyon insisted.

Over three days, athletes from 50 different countries will compete in 29 different disciplines. Athletics, rugby, running, tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and water polo will take place at 27 sports venues across the city.

While most events will be held behind closed doors, introductory sessions for quad ball, ultimate frisbee and flag football, open to the public, will be held on the Gerland playground.

For this new edition of the EuroGames, the organization is making a point of honoring one theme: eco-responsibility. Designated an "eco-responsible" event by the charter of fifteen commitments, these EuroGames are positioned among the most responsible sports tournaments worldwide. A "cardinal" value according to event president Cédric Lemarié.

Decorated with recycled sheets, second-hand T-shirts, local stalls, everything in the event village is designed responsibly. The same goes for the prizes awarded to athletes: "We only offer local products, so it's going to be food, museum tickets, books, so everyone can choose what they need," explains Cédric Lemarié.

All of the athletes' and volunteers' jerseys also come from second-hand stores. Often unusable due to visible stains or defects, the latter were given a makeover and "Eurogames" printed on them, designed by three Lyon artists.

The second theme highlighted during these EuroGames: the fight against all forms of discrimination. To this end, a "discrimination-free zone" —a zone where discrimination of any kind is completely prohibited— has been established.

All volunteers were made aware of the situation before the event: "So that if someone feels they are a victim of discrimination, they will be directly supported by the teams." A hotline is also in operation throughout the EuroGames, to support the teams present on site.

At the same time, a huge amount of work has been undertaken with the institutions involved in security to secure the site: "I think these EuroGames are the most secure that have ever existed ," the president said.

Read also: Lyon to host Europe's largest inclusive sports event in July