We’ve been saying it out loud for a few months, that’s true. But what’s new is that Pan Idræt has finalized their bid for EuroGames 2021 and forwarded it to the board of the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGSLF). Next up is the final vote that will decide if Pan Idræts gets to host EuroGames 2021.
An inclusive multi-sport event
– Our bid is focused on two things: Sports and inclusion. Athletes from all over the world can look forward to a well-organized event, smoothly running logistics and a safe space for everyone to be themselves and do sports in secure surroundings, says Christian Bigom, chair of Pan Idræt.
EuroGames is a multi-sport event, and Pan Idræt is planning to host competitions in more than 25 sports – in classics such as football and tennis and in emerging sports such as dodgeball and e-Sports. Pan Idræt also plans for EuroGames 2021 to include an international conference on discrimination in sports to pave the way for a more inclusive athletic community.
– Around the world, Copenhagen is renowned for hosting successful sporting events. Nine years later, people still remember and praise the well-organized World OutGames in 2009, which brought together more than 5,000 athletes in Copenhagen, says Christian Bigom. – We are excited about picking up the baton and hoping to exceed the expectations of participants once again.
A milestone for equality
In October 2017, Copenhagen Pride was voted host of WorldPride 2021 by InterPride. If Pan Idræt wins the bid for EuroGames, the two events will be celebrated under the joint event name of Copenhagen 2021. It will be the first time ever that the two events are hosted in the same city, at the same time – as one global mega-event combining a huge pride festival, an inclusive sporting event and a human rights conference.
– Copenhagen 2021 will mark a new milestone in our fight for equality, says Lars Christian Østergreen, CEO of Copenhagen 2021. – We’re inviting the whole world to a massive celebration of love, sportsmanship and equal rights for all. As the host city of both WorldPride and EuroGames, Copenhagen will stand out as an open-minded and diverse destination and the place to go for everyone who wants to feel included.
Members of EGLSF will gather in Copenhagen for their Annual General Assembly on the first weekend of March. During these days, Pan Idræt will present their bid and delegates from all over Europe will take part in the final vote. Pan Idræt is the only candidate to present a bid, but the delegates can decide to abstain from hosting a EuroGames in 2021.
Copenhagen Pride and Pan Idræt invites the whole world to Copenhagen 2021: A global mega-event that combines EuroGames and WorldPride for the first time ever.