EuroGames Cardiff 2027 becomes first UK signatory of LGBTQ-inclusive sports charter
The next edition of Europe’s largest multisports event for LGBTQ athletes and allies has made a strong commitment to greater LGBTQ inclusion; EuroGames Cardiff 2027 signs up to the Charter for Gender Diversity in Sports; Pride Sports Cymru director Lou Englefield says event is a “huge opportunity”…
Pride Sports Cymru, which will deliver EuroGames Cardiff 2027, has become the first organisation from the United Kingdom to sign the Charter for Gender Diversity in Sports.
The charter is an international initiative created by the Berlin-based sports club Seitenwechsel. It aims to break down barriers for trans, intersex, and non-binary (TIN) people in the world of sports.
Lou Englefield, the director of Pride Sports Cymru and the EuroGames Cardiff 2027 event, signed the document at the Sport Wales National Centre on May 9, with just over 14 months to go until the historic LGBTQ+-inclusive multisports event begins in the Welsh capital.
In making this commitment, the organising team has pledged to pursue nine key principles, including the use of inclusive language, ensuring safe spaces like locker rooms, and protecting the privacy and dignity of all athletes.
The signing of the charter was part of a special weekend visit to Cardiff by board members of the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), the governing body that licenses EuroGames.
During their visit, the EGLSF board inspected various sites and venues across the city that will host thousands of athletes taking part from 14 to 17 July next year.
Registration for EuroGames Cardiff 2027 is due to open in late May 2026.
Englefield says signing the charter demonstrates Cardiff’s commitment to making EuroGames 2027 the most inclusive yet.
“Bringing EuroGames to Wales is a huge opportunity,” she said.
“We are showcasing Cardiff as a world-class sporting city, and also demonstrating our inclusive values.
“We’re the first edition of EuroGames to have signed the charter, and it sends out a message that gender diversity is a top priority as we continue to build towards July 2027.”
Martin Muñoz, the Project Manager for Association Development at Seitenwechsel eV and an EGLSF board member, said: “Cardiff 2027 is joining around 25 sports clubs and associations which have so far signed the charter, from nations across Europe.
“It’s the first EuroGames to have made this commitment, and Pride Sports Cymru is also the first organisation from the U.K. to join the list of signatories. The charter team and everyone at Seitenwechsel welcome this significant step.
“Next year’s EuroGames is already shaping up to be truly welcoming and inclusive to people of all genders, and the EGLSF is excited for what promises to be a game-changing event which will create a beautiful legacy.”
The charter is designed to help sports clubs and events move beyond the traditional “male and female” binary. By signing it, EuroGames Cardiff 2027 has made a series of pledges, such as:
- Recognition, inclusion and support for TIN athletes
- Active promotion of TIN athletes in leadership roles
- Development of fully gender-inclusive sports programmes
- Documents, forms and contracts that include all genders
EuroGames is the largest multi-sport event for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies in Europe. The 2027 edition in Cardiff will mark the first time the event has ever been held in the U.K.
Organisers expect more than 5,000 athletes, spectators, and volunteers to visit the Welsh capital. The program is set to feature 38 sports, ranging from football, rugby and swimming in the city centre, to trail running and hiking in the nearby Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
Some athletes will benefit from significant support via the event’s Outreach Fund, which is currently open to applications from either European residents or nationals who are facing financial or structural barriers.
In line with its support for the charter, organisers are particularly keen to hear from athletes who identify as transgender and/or FLINTA (Frauen/women, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, transgender, or agender).
Since winning the bid in March 2024, announcements for EuroGames Cardiff 2027 have included two Ambassador reveals – Olympic medalist Sarah Jones, and Cymru football legend Jess Fishlock – plus the appointment of renowned LGBTQ+ activist Lisa Power as Patron.
Further reading…
Targeting of trans and DSD athletes is exactly why LGBTQ sports events like Gay Games and EuroGames exist (April 2026)
Jess Fishlock says EuroGames Cardiff 2027 ambassadorial role ‘important for visibility’ (BBC Sport, March 2026)
Olympic swimmer Dan Jervis ‘in awe’ of LGBTQ community and excited for EuroGames Cardiff 2027 (June 2025)
To learn more about EuroGames Cardiff 2027, visit the official website where you can sign up for email updates.
Interested in sponsorship and partnership opportunities? Email the team at info@pridesports.cymru.
Sports Media LGBT+ is a network, advocacy, and consultancy group that is helping to build a community of LGBTQ+ people and allies in sport. We’re also a digital publisher and can help with your content requirements. Learn more about us here.
We’re interested in your news and stories. Share with us and tap into a worldwide audience through our Google News affiliate website, which attracts thousands of visitors, and our popular social channels. Contact us to discuss how we can help you.
