EuroGames 2027 is coming to Cardiff, bringing Europe’s best LGBTQ+ sports teams to the city. What does this mean for the capital?
Image credits: Cardiff Dragons
Cardiff has won the bid to host the EuroGames 2027– Europe’s biggest LGBTQ+ multi-sport event, becoming the first UK host for the games.
Pride Sports Cymru presented its bid to host the EuroGames in Cardiff in 2027 and won against a solid bid from Munich.
“It’s a huge opportunity to showcase Cardiff as a world-class sporting city and to highlight Wales’ ambition to become the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe,” says Lou Englefield, Pride Sports Director.
EuroGames is the largest multi-sport event for athletes, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation in Europe. The first EuroGames was held in The Hague in 1992. This event in Cardiff in three years will be the 24th edition.
Cardiff EuroGames 2027 aims to bring a program of more than twenty sports competitions and 6,000 athletes to the city during July 2027.
For the queer community in Cardiff, the event is more than just a celebration; it is an opportunity to expand Cardiff as a region where the community will feel safe living in an inclusive city. “Having something this huge in Cardiff is a game-changer, and it shows amazing support for the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene here. I can’t wait to be part of that energy,” says Mia, a member of Queer Parkour, a free club for parkour enthusiasts.
The event is expected to solidify Cardiff’s position in the UK as a queer-friendly space, complementing the city’s already vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, according to queer-sports enthusiasts. “EuroGames coming to Cardiff means that our city’s vibrant queer sports scene will finally get the recognition it deserves,” says Alec James, a volunteer at the Cardiff Foxes, an LGBTQ+-focused running group based in the city.
Image credits: Pride Sports Cymru (Pride Parade)
Jess Williams, Head of Service and Partner Development at Sport Wales, the national organisation for promoting sports in Wales says, “EuroGames in Wales will be transformative for LGBTQ+ people in sport and indeed the whole community. The legacy the games will create and the opportunity for positive change is enormous. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our beautiful capital city.”
The program will also extend into the Brecon Beacons, featuring trail running and cycling events that showcase Wales’ iconic national parks.
EuroGames also offers a cultural program, parties, and a games village where athletes can gather and socialise. There will also be grand opening and closing ceremonies.
To find more about LGBTQ+ sports clubs in Wales, visit Pride Sports Cymru.