Olympian and LGBTQ sports club president win EGLSF Advocacy Awards at EuroGames
Otto Drakenberg, who competed at 1988 Olympics and is head of the Swedish Fencing Federation, has challenged Saudi Arabia’s growing influence; Sara Perez Garcia, president of Diversport Torremolinos, also recognised for her LGBTQ inclusion work; awards announced during EuroGames 2024 in Vienna…
A former Olympic athlete who championed human rights and the president of an LGBTQ+ sports club in Spain have been named as the winners of the 2024 EGLSF Advocacy Awards.
The awards are presented by the EGLSF (European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation) to nominated individuals “whose actions have positively impacted the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and non-binary Sports movement”.
Otto Drakenberg, who represented Sweden in fencing at Seoul ’88 before going on to lead its national federation, is recognised for publicly challenging the growing influence in sport of Saudi Arabia, where same-sex sexual activity continues to be criminalised and where women’s rights and freedom of expression are severely limited.
Sara Perez Garcia is congratulated for her outstanding work in helping to grow the inclusive Diversport club in Torremolinos.
The Advocacy Awards were announced during EuroGames in Vienna, where over 4,000 athletes are taking part in the biggest LGBTQ-inclusive multisports event of its kind in Europe.
Standing up for freedom
Drakenberg made headlines in February last year when the Swedish Fencing Federation (SFF) published video footage filmed during the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Congress, which had been held in Lausanne three months earlier.
In the footage, Drakenberg can be seen addressing the congress on the topic of Saudi Arabia’s unchallenged bid to host the 2024 Junior World Championships. He asks delegates to consider how welcome LGBTQ fencers will be, only for attempts to be made by some in the room to silence him through loud banging on tables.
@swedishfencing 2022 Congress of the International Fencing Federation in Lausanne debate on decision to award Saudi Arabia the Junior and Cadet World Championships 2024. #fencing #fäktning #swedishfencing #svenskafäktförbundet #sportwashing #ottodrakenberg #drakenberg #svff ♬ original sound – Svensk Fäktning
Despite considerable vocal opposition, Drakenberg continues to speak, highlighting the restrictions on women and the fact that Saudi Arabia is at war with Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi forces.
The SFF later filed a complaint to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over the matter.
In its citation, the EGLSF noted how 57-year-old Drakenberg “has been working for LGBTQI practitioners’ rights and safety within the sport of fencing… To be an advocate for LGBTQI rights within sports takes courage.
“The courage, as well as the determination, that Otto Drakenberg showed during the meeting is the very essence of the Advocacy Award.”
When asked by SVT Sport last year for his reflections on his experience in Lausanne, Drakenberg said: “Perhaps the most surprising thing was that no one, no one from the free world stands up.
“That the wall of complaint can stand unchallenged. I thought that was terrifying.”
‘Incredible friendships’
The second EGLSF award winner is Perez, the president of Diversport Torremolinos, an LGBTQ+ non-profit association founded on the Costa del Sol in 2018. It has more than 300 members participating in 10 different sports.
The EGLSF said Perez “has created a welcoming environment for people of all nationalities and backgrounds, particularly those who might feel excluded from traditional sports clubs.
“She was involved in the process of promoting EuroGames 2024 and the Euro Pride 2027 Torremolinos candidature. With her positive attitude, she is not only leading a sports club but forming a space which creates incredible friendships.”
For more information on the EGLSF, visit the federation’s website.
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