07-08/09: July-August 2009
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
2nd World Outgames Copenhagen 2009 Summer Break EGLSF Newsletter took a break during the Summer but we were all busy doing various sporting activities in our clubs and many also attended the World Outgames in Copenhagen, Denmark.The summer’s coming to an end, so we hope that you have enjoyed it fully and we hope that we meet you in the activities & events of our member clubs and other LGBTIQ sporting events.
Contents 2nd WORLD OUTGAMES COPENHAGEN 2009 EGLSF INFO COPENHAGEN PRINCIPLE ON SPORT NEWS SECTION SPORTS EVENTS COMING UP...
Under the slogan Love of Freedom Freedom to Love, Copenhagen hosted the 2nd World Outgames this summer. Between July 25 and August 2, over 5,500 LGBT athletes from 92 countries participated at this world sporting event. Backed up by the City of Copenhagen, several key partners, and the thousands of volunteers, the athletes and the visitors could enjoy 2,200 events and compete in 1,800 events in 34 sports. According to the organisers, World Outgames 2009 was a smashing success socially, politically and economically. The final report is expected to end with a neutral or positive outcome. Speaking of organisers - the core task was done by Pan Idræt, EGLSF member club who also organised the EuroGames in Copenhagen in 2003.
“If we fix a goal and work towards it, then we are never just passing time.” Anna Neagle, UK Actress & Singer
Apart from sports, Outgames also offered over 300 cultural activities, featuring 6 outcities: Antwerp, Mexico City, Melbourne,
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
Tel Aviv, Rio de Janeiro and Aarhus who all impressed the audience with spectacular shows & events during the games. A very important part of the Outgames was also the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights. Between July 27 and 29, 110 workshops were held, with 24 prominent keynote speakers. A very valuable outcome of the conference is also the Copengahen catalogue of good practices. At the conference, Mr Ben Baks also presented the The Copenhagen Principle on Sport o behalf of EGLSF, which proposes an addendum to the existing Yogyakarta Principles. The need for hosting such events was unfortunately proven also in Copenhagen, as there were two violent homophobic attacks against LGBT athletes participating at the Outgames. EGLSF is proud to have supported and participated at this global event celebrating pride and diversity through sport, culture and human rights. www.copenhagen2009.org
EGLSF Info EGLSF Newsletter The EGLSF Newsletter (ISSN 1876-1763) which you are reading at the moment, is a monthly e-publication providing news & information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF). It contains information on activities of EGLSF, its member clubs and features a summary of other relevant news and events in the field of LGBTIQ sports in Europe and elsewhere in the world. The publication is available free of charge. Our members and newsletter subscribers receive it automatically, others can read it online at http://www.eglsf.info and at http://issuu.com/eglsf/. In order to promote the EGLSF Newsletter, we have prepared a special offer. All subscribers will participate in a draw where free tickets will be given for EuroGames 2011 in Rotterdam and EuroGames 2012 in Budapest.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE EGLSF NEWSLETTER
http://www.eglsf.info/eglsf-newsletter-subscribe.html
AND
WIN FREE REGISTRATIONS TO
Hurry up - the deadline for subscriptions to be legible to participate in the draw is October 1, 2009. EGLSF Board will draw the lucky winners at their board meeting in Rotterdam, and the results will be announced on October 19, 2009. www.eglsf.info/eglsf-newslettersubscribe.html
Working Groups At the EGLSF AGA in the Hague this year, several working groups have been established in order for members to actively contribute to the development and work of EGLSF. Despite problems with the EGLSF server, which is making it impossible for the agreed WIKI platform to be put into operation at present, the Board has been working on the formation of strategic working groups. Each working group lead is to have a volunteer role description to outline their roles and responsibilities and support from a member of the EGLSF Board. Each of the volunteer group leads will be contacted in the next month with their role description and a call for further volunteers will be made following this.
WEB Server The web server which has been serving EGLSF so far, will be retiring soon. With the retirement of the server, there will also be some other important changes related to the IT services in general. The good news is that its successor will be able to cope up with the new demands.
_SPORT _NEWS _TOURNAMENTS _CAMPAIGNING _INFORMATION _CONTACTS _EUROGAMES _MEMBERSHIP _POLICY _HUMAN RIGHTS _STANDARDS _NETWORKS
OFFER OPEN TO ALL THOSE REGISTERING FOR THE EGLSF NEWSLETTER ONLINE USING THE LINK ABOVE BY 1 OCTOBER 2009 WINNERS TO BE DRAWN BY EGLSF BOARD AND ANNOUNCED ON 19 OCTOBER 2009 eglsf@eglsf.info Competition sponsored by Rotterdam EuroGames and Budapest EuroGames
The bad news is that the current chair of the Technical Support Group (TSG) - Mrs Erna Kotkamp, is stepping down after years of volunteer work. EGLSF Board wishes to acknowledge her work, thank her for all the services and wishes her all the best.
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
EGLSF ‘comes of age’ in Manchester A 21st Birthday is a very big deal in several countries. In the UK, it was the former age of majority and also the former ‘age of consent’ for gay men until the 1990s. Manchester is very excited to be hosting the Annual General Assembly of the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation - EGLSF AGA in March 2010 during its 21st year and intends to make it a meeting that won’t be forgotten by EGLSF members! Plans so far include a Mayoral Reception, a 5km city run, and a party night in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village. Help the EGLSF ‘come of age’ in Manchester and support the 2010 AGA! More details will be known in the upcoming months.
1st Polish International LGBT Volleyball Tournament Every month somewhere in Europe a gay international volleyball tournament in organized. For many years such events have attracted players to Barcelona, Frankfurt, London, Prague, etc. Polish teams have been participating in these tournaments for over two years and we’ve been frequently approached and asked about a Polish tournament. Nobody has
ever organized an international LGBT sport event of any kind in Poland. That is, of course, before June 2009… On 12-14 June, Warsaw hosted a first, historic international LGBT volleyball tournament named “Volup Summer Cup 2009”. The event lasted for three days. On Friday evening we welcomed the teams at the registration in Miedzy Nami Café, where all the participants received tournament schedules, maps and guides of Warsaw and other important information. Next day, the actual competition took place with 16 teams battling for medals and trophies on four levels (B+, B, B- and C). The award ceremony was held in Utopia Club, which is one of the most popular and trendy Warsaw gay venues. The crowning moment of the night came with Lola Lou Show – one of the most popular Polish drag queens. Sunday brunch in La Playa music bar situated on the board of Vistula was a perfect place to rest and chill after the tiring Saturday. Accompanied by salsa rhythms, one could taste some specialties of Polish cuisine, play beach volley and admire the view of the Old Town towering on the opposite side of the river. After brunch we set off to the Old Town for a guided sightseeing tour where everyone could learn some facts from the fascinating, yet tragic, Warsaw history…
And that’s how Volup Summer Cup 2009 has made history… Although the preparation for this event lasted for many months and the organizers had to face different problems the actual tournament passed in a flash. What’s most important the tournament was a big success from both the sport and social sides. Nothing could have changed this – not the rainy Saturday, not even the fact that someone locked himself in the toilet... Everyone will long remember that great matches went along with friendly atmosphere. The Saturday night’s party in Utopia Club will be long remembered as it lasted till early morning. Many special prizes were awarded and the unforgettable show crowned the night - Lola Lou wore a huge, white Afro, a mini skirt and high heels and gave an amazing performance - definitely one of the best Drag Queens in Europe. Everyone will remember the Sunday brunch by Vistula and the sun, the salsa and the Old Town tour. Everyone will remember Warsaw and the tournament. We’re already thinking of the next one: Volup Summer Cup 2010 and would like to warmly invite you to join us! We would like to thank everyone who came to Warsaw and joined us in the first international LGBT tournament in Poland. We would like to thank all those who helped us organize this event - without you, Volup Summer Cup 2009 wouldn’t have been such a success. We would also like to thank all the LGBT media for the support and help with the advertising. “Muscles ache because of so much volleyball and party... And belly ache because of so much laugh... Warsaw is great... XXX.” www.volup.pl
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
Copenhagen Principle on Sport At the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights which was held during the Outgames end of July in Copenhagen, Denmark, Mr Ben Baks presented “The Copenhagen Principle on Sport“ which EGLSF proposes as an ammendment to the Yogyakarta Principles a new article on sport. Everyone has the right to participate freely in sport, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and to express, through participation, the diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity. Principle on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity in sport. “The European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), arising from discussions during the Outgames conference about international human rights on sexual orientation and gender equality in sport, hereby propose an addendum to the existing Yogyakarta Principles, 29 July 2009 in Copenhagen: - recalling the United Nations Resolution Sport (60/1, par.145) on the World Summit Outcome of world leaders stated that “Sport for All” is better recognized as a national priority and the Internal Olympic Charter (Chapter 1, articles 4 and 5) on the practice of sport is a human right and the incompatibility of any form of
discrimination to the Olympic Movement. - disturbed by the phenomenon of homophobia, transphobia and discrimination in sports. - aware that many LGBT’s in sport do not feel free to come out for their sexual orientation or gender identity. - understanding that discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation and gender identity could prevent active participation in sport and physical development. - observing that this principle of international human rights is not included in the Yogyakarta Principles. - recognizing that practicing sport is an elementary right for al citizens and that sport can contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding; - acknowledging every citizens’ right to take part in sports, without discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Therefore States should: (including Governmental Sport Organisations) A. Review, amend and enact legislation to ensure full enjoyment of the right to participate in sport, without discrimination. B. Take all appropriate measure to eliminate stereotypes and prejudices regarding sexual orientation and gender identity that prevent or restrict participation in sports. Therefore Non Governmental International Sport Associations should: C. Review, amend and enact rules and regulations to ensure full enjoyment of the right to participate in sport, without discrimination. D. Take all appropriate measure to eliminate stereotypes and prejudices regarding sexual orientation and gender identity that prevent or restrict participation of LGBT’s in sports. Therefore Non Governmental National Sport Associations should: E. Review, amend and enact rules and regulations to ensure full enjoyment of the right to participate in sport, without discrimination.
F. Take all appropriate measure to eliminate stereotypes and prejudices regarding sexual orientation and gender identity that prevent or restrict participation in sport, for example by ‘all inclusive’ policy and practical measures.”
The text of the proposal, along with the quoted annotations and contact details for further information is also available online at www.eglsf.info.
News Section
News submitted by our members Pride House at Vancouver Olympics 8 August 2009 For the first time a Gay House will be opened during the Olympic Games. Holland House for instance is legend not only at the Olympics but also at the Gay Games and Outgames. Dean Nelson, an organizer for Pride House, where gay, lesbian and other athletes will be able to socialize at the Vancouver Olympics says that “Pride House is going to rock the Olympics.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/ sports/olympics/20pride.html
Stonewall report on homophobia in football 12 August 2009 A report from Britain’s leading gay rights campaign group Stonewall, has called for
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
football to take more decisive action on homophobic abuse in football.
FARE Action Week 2009
The research finds that anti-gay abuse in the sport has been witnessed by seven in ten fans. The research also reveals that fans expect greater action to tackle the problem.
Ignoring racism, is accepting racism – take your stand and join the FARE Action Week!
‘Leagues Behind – Football’s failure to tackle anti-gay abuse’ includes a survey of over 2,000 football fans from across Britain and interviews with football insiders and lesbian and gay players. It finds that Three in five fans believe that anti-gay abuse from fans dissuades gay players from coming out, that almost two thirds of fans believe football would be a better sport if anti-gay abuse was eradicated and that two thirds of fans would feel comfortable if a player at their club came out. The report’s recommendations include ensuring that sanctions used against fans who perpetuate anti-gay abuse and violence are consistent with those for racial abuse. For more information, please see the website of Kick it out campaign. http://www.kickitout.org/945.php
Gay Games Scholarship Deadline Extended 13 August 2009 The deadline for submitting applications for the Scholarship Programme, enabling a wider range of LGBT athletes to participate at the Gay Games has been extended to October 1, 2009. The next global LGBT sports event will be held from July 31 to August 7, 2010 in Cologne, Germany. Since the registration is already open, make sure you visit the website and ensure your participation already today! http://www.games-cologne.de/en/ scholarship
13 August 2009
Discrimination and racism is sadly a regular occurrence in European football and is all too often swept under the carpet. Therefore, for the 10th successive season the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network is coordinating action in and around football stadiums across Europe. Between 15th and 27th October 2009 large sections of the European football family in 40 countries will stand united against racism and discrimination. Over the last years some good progress has been made in challenging racism and discrimination in the game, but by no means has it been eradicated. In several parts of Europe we still witness the overt abuse of black and other minority players at both the professional and grassroots level of the game. Also migrants and ethnic minorities still feel excluded from the existing football structures within football federations, clubs and some fan clubs across Europe. There are also signs that far-right supporters groups are on the rise in several stadiums across the continent. Homophobia and Sexism remain massive problems in and outside football stadia across Europe. The idea behind the FARE Action Week is that a wide range of initiatives and activities address local problems within their club or community, while also joining groups across the continent to present a unified stand against racism and discrimination in the game. Besides activities by professional clubs, national associations, leagues such as the UEFA Champions League, the FARE Action Week will give fans, minority groups and grass-root football teams across the continent the opportunity to
come together to celebrate the integrative power of the game. This season FARE network aims to encourage more groups in southern Europe to participate in the FARE Action Week. Moreover, in the course of the forthcoming Action Week FARE will support initiatives targeting homophobia and tackling sexism. FARE offers financial assistance for local activities during the week of action, such as the production of campaigning materials and the organisation of anti-racism matches or special fan choreographies. Groups can apply for financial assistance. The maximum grant to apply for is 400 €. The deadline to fill the application form will be 7 September 2009. http://www.farenet.org
Talks between FGG and GLISA 28 August 2009 Following an invitation from Outgames 2009, on Monday, 27 July, 30 participants attended the FGG Session on “The Future of LGBT Sport and Culture”. Both global LGBT sports organisations - Federation of Gay Games (FGG) and Gay & Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA) attended the meeting. Representatives of the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) were also present. At the session, a statement, joined by a petition was presented, encouraging organisation of (only) one quadrennial LGBT sports event in the future. No concrete suggestions were given regarding exact structure or organisation but there is a strong interest in dialogue with the community and between FGG and GLISA. The communication between both organisations, will continue in the future. EGLSF, which has often facilitated in
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EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
the resolution of the split, welcomes the open willingness and initiative of both organisation to work in finding an optimal solution.
http://www.atomoitalia.org info@atomoitalia.org
Football/Soccer
Wild Cup 2009
Sports Events Coming up...
Events submitted by our members Tennis
I.G.O. 2009 Milan, Italy 3 Sep – 6 Sep 2009
Karlsruhe, Germany 4 Sep – 6 Sep 2009 http://www.wildboys-karlsruhe.de maik@wildboys-karlsruhe.de
Volleyball
Mamma Mia 2009 Milan, Italy 4 Sep – 6 Sep 2009 7th edition of the international volleyball tournament hosted by GateVolley team in Milan. The competition will be the 4th September with a welcome/registration gathering on 4th sept and a farewell brunch on 6th sept. There are 4 levels of competition (A, B+, B-, C). The organisers reserve the right to change the level as appropriate. Limited hosted accommodation will be available on a first come first serve basis. http://www.gatevolley.it info@gatevolley.it
Multisports A.T.OMO Milano is glad to invite You to the 11th edition of ITALIAN GAY OPEN, the funniest GLBT tennis tournament in Italy. It will take place in Milan on the venues of Tennis Club Corvetto, on semi-indoors red clay courts, according to GLTA and FIT (Italian Tennis Federation) rules. It will include the following divisions: Open : highly advanced tournament players; A : advanced tournament players; B : high intermediate tournament players; C : low intermediate and beginning tournament players D : beginning players with little tournament experience.
Brussels Games Brussels, Belgium 11 Sep – 13 Sep 2009
For the 18th time in a row, Brussels Gay Sports is organizing the Brussels Games, our international tournament which will take place from 11th to 13th September 2009. As usual you can come and show off your sporting skills in the Capital of Europe... Our tournament includes Badminton, Fitness/body, Tennis and Volleyball. Like every year, there will be a lovely opportunity to cool down in the swimming pool at the end of the competition. And of course there will be our traditional Party and Show. http://www.bgs.org/brusselsgames brusselsgames@bgs.org
Volleyball
VII Barcelona Volleyball Tournament Barcelona, Spain 11 Sep – 13 Sep 2009
Volleyball tournament . Levels B+ B- and C. 24 teams Men and 16 teams Women. http://www.panteresgrogues.org/v09/ volei.masculi@panteresgrogues.cat
EGLSF Newsletter: News & Information from European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation
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07-08/09: July-August 2009
Bowling
Volleyball
Volleyball
SC AufRuhr Bowling Tournament
AufRuhr Volleyball
David Volleyball Tournament
Metropole Ruhr, Germany 2 Oct – 4 Oct 2009
Metropole Ruhr, Germany 12 Sep – 12 Sep 2009
http://www.sc-aufruhr.de volleyball@sc-aufruhr.de
http://www.sc-aufruhr.de bowling@sc-aufruhr.de
Volleyball Tennis
LIVE2009
Yellow Tennis Rome
London, United Kingdom 2 Oct – 4 Oct 2009
Rome, Italy 25 Sep – 27 Sep 2009
From 25 to 27 September 2009 We want to invite you come to the first International Tennis Tournament in ROME. YELLOW ROME TENNIS . Yellow Sport is a new club of GLTA in Rome. Whit this boards :Men’s singles, Women’s singles, Men’s doubles, Women’s doubles and Mixed doubles. See you in Rome, one of most beatiuful city in the world http://www.yellowsport.it yellowroma@gmail.com
!
The 5th annual London International Volleyball Extravaganza LIVE2009 will be held on 2 - 4 October. This men only event has drawn players from a wide range of ethnicity in the past. LIVE is truly an international volleyball tournament. The competition will start on 3 October with a welcome/registration gathering on 2 Oct and a farewell brunch on 4 Oct. http://www.londonspikers.org livetournament@googlemail.com
Florence, Italy 2 Oct – 4 Oct 2009
The 3rd edition of GLBT volleyball tournament in Tuscany (Italy). A lot of teams that have participated to each edition, in a city considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Beyond the day of the tournament, the organization will offer the welcome party just in the historicalcenter , between the most famous art works, typical kitchen of the zone, disc party after the competitions and brunch on Sunday. After brunch there will be the sightseeing tour in the more important zones of the city.
FOTOS: Page 1: Andrej Pisl Page 3: (Manchester) Pride Sports (Warsaw) Volup Others: Public, non-copyrighted
Contact Us European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) c/o NCS Meeuwenlaan 41 NL-1021 HS Amsterdam The Netherlands eglsf@eglsf.info www.eglsf.info EGLSF Newsletter (ISSN: 1876-1763) is published by the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation. EGLSF is registered as a nonprofit sports organisation with the Chamber of Commerce in The Hague and enjoys participatory status with the Council of Europe.