With 5000 participants announced, this edition was not unanimous, due to the inexperience of the organizers, a questionable steering of the umbrella federation, a too tight budget and a too discreet institutional support. But it took place in a unique sunny town and will give probably participants memories and interesting experiences. Paris 2018 attended with a very cute national team. Some thoughts for the next Gay Games.
What's EuroGames? A sporting event founded in 1992 and awarded by the gay and lesbian European Federation to a host city in order to fight against homophobia in sport, help homosexual visibility and help create new LGBT sports clubs. The initiative is inspired, at an European level, by the example of the Gay Games, world sports and cultural event founded in 1982 in San Francisco on the principles of participation, inclusion and personal's best, and which the LGBT sports movement originated. Stockholm is the 15th edition. Surely EGLSF who never wrote a detailed specification of the event did not bring him the support it deserved.
How is this edition disappointing? Despite an accreditation center at the Opera, but in a narrow, dark, warm space, with poorly trained and informed volunteers. An opening ceremony - the kind of podium as at Pride march - on a large square in the city center with unfortunately very few public and an inconspicuous athletes parade. The pathetic closing ceremony in the suburbs on an unlikely spot, with two poor food trucks, a space for relaxing and symbolic spectacle that will held by the intervention of a Swedish black comedian extremely funny, between two misguided DJs . In between, a particularly discreet three-day conference, but interesting. Almost nonexistent cultural events. Sporting events organized largely out under international levels and standards of Gay Games. EuroGames did not appear the exceptional event that the advertising agency of the organizers had sold. On site, the visibility and awareness of the event were virtually nil. Too bad because the expectation of this event in Scandinavia was strong.
How is this edition successful? For many participants, however, it was a rich experience of meetings and fellowship. Several thousands of participants made the city a huge playground and colorful city of their team outfits. In particular the very elegant and very large French team. Everyone has to succeed from his best event. Thus, the Berliners organized off the cuff volleyball competition in 6 other gyms that the planned impractical hall. The water polo players have agreed to play without waiting for the rest time required due to a shortened one-day competition. Athletes have been patient on the beautiful Olympic Stadium deal with schedule changes and athletics rules. Triathlon runners took the initiative to organize an outlet, in compensation for the cancellation of their event. Dancers helped lay the wood in the hall of the exhibition center where the competition was to be held. Some sports like bowling entrusted the property owner has allowed a good level of competition. The city is open to difference. Everyone was able to walk free in particular the Russian repressed in their own country. Thus the values of solidarity, respect and sharing have been expressed concretely in the city.
How does this experience help Paris 2018? For Paris 2018 this edition was the occasion for a strong presence in the French delegation supporting the equipment which each member was made an ambassador. And all have played their role perfectly by inviting all participants in the great appointment in August 2018. A big thank you to Sandrine Fruchart, Antoine Le Blanc, Martian Martine, Olivier Adan Garcia, Christophe Nemo, Paul Amau for organizing the team, holding an wonderful party France. Thank you to the Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (FSGL) that showed all its skill and usefulness. A big thank you to Emy Ritt, Bruno Ferré, Amar Boudi, Sarah Townsend, Celine, Babou, ... for welcoming participants to accreditation by letting know the next appointment in Paris. Congratulations to the dozens of French medalists in athletics, basketball, handball, bowling or swimming... An ovation to the swimmers of Paris Aquatique for their breathtaking Pink Flamingo. A warm thank you to the French institutions, the Region Île-de-France, the City of Paris and the Ministry of the City, the Youth and Sports for their support, without forgetting the presence of the representative of the Embassy of France in Stockholm . Thank you all for contributing to recharge our batteries to deliver in 2018 in Paris an unforgettable experience for all participants. We have three years to build on past experiences to succeed the 10th edition of the Gay Games in Paris.
How does this experience help next EuroGames? The gay and lesbian European Federation welcomes your feedback and comments on the organization of this edition .
What should we conclude for Paris 2018? Since the beginning of the year, our team updates with the Federation of Gay Games the specifications more detailed sports, ceremonies and cultural events. Under the leadership of Antoine Le Blanc, the volunteer center is strengthened to recruit them, train them, assign them, animate them and reward them. We build partnerships with sports clubs or sports federations experienced, seek to strengthen institutional and tourist support already strong, powerful partnerships with sponsors to offer shows, most exceptional experiences and greater visibility. We are still looking to strengthen the communication team to prevent all failures and consider all recommendations.
