RYA Cymru Wales is supporting a bid to bring Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ sports event to Cardiff in 2027.
Plans by Pride Sports Cymru to host the EuroGames 2027 event could bring more than 5,000 competitors to the capital to take part in 27 different sporting events.
With support from RYA Cymru Wales, the programme would include sailing from Cardiff Bay Yacht Club offering championship dinghy racing plus keelboat sailing.
Cardiff is one of two bidding cities for the EuroGames – which are governed by the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) – along with Munich in Germany.
The bid by Pride Sports Cymru was submitted in December 2023 and the winning host venue will be chosen at the EGLSF Annual General Assembly in Antwerp, 1-2 March 2024.
Pride Sports is the longest standing LGBTQ+ sports development and inclusion organisation in the UK, and the games are the largest multi-sport event for athletes, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation in Europe.
Sam Thomas, RYA Cymru Wales Events Officer, said: “The RYA is passionate about building a connected, inspired and inclusive sailing and boating community, and we are really excited to be a part of the Pride Sports Cymru bid to bring the EuroGames 2027 to Cardiff.
“Our soon to be published Together on our Waters strategy puts the creation of a safe and croeso (welcoming) environment for everyone at the heart of what we do. EuroGames 2027 is a fantastic opportunity to highlight sailing within the capital and as a sport for all.”
The provision of a championship ILCA dinghy fleet and a 707 keelboat fleet will allow both experienced to rookie sailors to enjoy the sport at EuroGames 2027. Plans are also underway to include a Sailability fleet to enable participants with disabilities to get on the water.
In summer 2023 a group of young people who identify as LGBT+ were inspired to try the sport with Gresford Sailing Club, supported by RYA Cymru Wales, as part of the Pride Youth Games at Wrexham.
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Pride Sports Director, Lou Englefield said: “It is brilliant to include sailing as one of the sports in our programme and to have RYA Cymru Wales and Cardiff Bay Yacht Club on board with our bid to host the EuroGames in July 2027. Follow @eurogamescdf2027, @pridesportscymru and #Cardiff2027 on Instagram and X and show your support to help us to bring the EuroGames to Wales!”
Working with Lou on the bid team for Cardiff 2027 are Charlotte Galloway, Chair of Cardiff Dragons and Jess Williams, Head of Service and Partner Development at Sport Wales.
The proposed EuroGames 2027 programme for Cardiff includes an array of participatory activities from running and cycling in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park to sailing in Cardiff Bay, with a whole variety of indoor and outdoor sports, including tennis, touch rugby and basketball.
With upwards of 8,000 athletes and visitors expected and existing facilities being used for the sports competitions, a EuroGames is expected to generate millions for the local economy.
The bidding team is also working on a legacy plan to grow sport and physical activity for LGBTQ+ people in Wales, and community-organised sports in Cardiff. Find out more at Pride Sports Cymru.
