All you wonderful queer athletes out there, are you ready to join Team Ireland at this year’s EuroGames?!

Following their huge successes at last year’s Gay Games in Paris, where they amassed an incredible 42 medals, Team Ireland are looking for LGBT+ athletes who want to proudly represent both themselves and their country.

The EuroGames, dubbed ‘The Friendly Games of Europe’ will be held in glorious Rome from July 11 to 13. A multi sport event for the LGBT+ community, categories include football, rugby, cycling, bowling, golf, basketball, tennis, swimming, track and field, volleyball and dancing.

As Team Ireland themselves say: “Anyone can register to win, have fun, aim for a personal best or even just have a holiday in one of the most beautiful cities in the world (while supporting the Irish team of course!)”

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If you’re still wondering whether to join Team Ireland, look at what some of the athletes who competed in the Gay Games last year had to say:

Owen Fletcher, who competed in the triathlon and the 5K race said: “It was one of the most positive experiences of my life…I made life-long friends. I entered two events, and in both, I got a gold medal. I was proud to represent my country as an LGBT+ person and as an Irish person.”

Philippa Ryder, cyclist, said: “The memory of standing on the podium with the Irish flag wrapped around me and a silver medal hanging from my neck will remain with me forever.”

Also, check out the Facebook page for Sporting Pride, Ireland’s national LGBT+ sports organisation. Committed to making sport a more inclusive and diverse environment for members of the LGBT+ community, the organisation will support established LGBT+ sports clubs across the country, and will work with National Governing Bodies to develop LGBT+ inclusive programmes for every sports club in Ireland. 

If you’re not yet a part of Team Ireland (Sporting Pride) and would like to join, or for information on anything to do with LGBT+ sports in Ireland please contact [email protected]. Team Ireland members receive a discount for the EuroGames so make sure you choose the option EGLSF member Sporting P.R.I.D.E. when you sign up.