EuroGames, Europe’s biggest annual LGBTIQ multi-sports event, started its first edition in Vienna with a concert by Austrian Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst on Wednesday.
First held in The Hague in 1992, the event involves competitions across 31 sports, drawing around 4,000 athletes from 50 nations, and will run until July 20.
The sports programme began on Wednesday with tennis and badminton, progressing today with archery, cycling, beach volleyball, football, and more. Alongside the sports, the event offers a wide array of activities such as concerts, film screenings, museum tours, and drag shows.
The City of Vienna is supporting the event by providing numerous sports facilities and contributing €150,000 towards its costs.
“With its vibrant community, Vienna is not only Austria’s rainbow capital but also Europe’s and sets international standards in LGBTIQ equality,” Vienna Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS) stated in a press release.
“The world of sport is as diverse as people themselves, but one thing remains constant: Vienna is a city for everyone and a venue that has long been among the world’s elite for international competitions,” said City Councillor for Sports Peter Hacker (SPÖ).
