EuroGames Lyon 2025 and Compete Proud Elevate Inclusion in Sport
Lyon – July 23rd-26th, 2025
From 23 to 26 July, Lyon hosted EuroGames 2025 — Europe’s most inclusive sporting and cultural event for the LGBTIQ+ community. With 5,500 participants from across Europe, the Games combined competition, celebration, and identity in a powerful display of visibility and pride.
As a collaborator, Compete Proud worked with the organising team and athlete ambassadors to elevate representation and amplify voices — both on stage and behind the scenes.
Ambassadors on Stage for an Unforgettable Opening
The EuroGames Lyon 2025 began with one of their most powerful moments: the Opening Ceremony, hosted by French drag queen Nicky Doll (Karlize). In front of a crowd of more than 5,000 vibrant participants, all EuroGames Lyon 2025 ambassadors — Olympians, Paralympians, and high-level athletes — stepped on stage together, representing visibility, representation, and pride in sport.
Earlier that day, the EuroGames Lyon 2025 Conference took place at Lyon City Hall (Hôtel de Ville). Speakers included:
- Grégory Doucet, Mayor of Lyon
- Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, President of the French NOC (via video)
- Cédric Lemarié, President of EuroGames Lyon 2025
- Aurore Bergé, French Minister for Equality
Three engaging panels followed, exploring:
- European practices and research on LGBTQI+ inclusion (Erasmus+ PLUSS Project)
- The power of visibility through the FIER SPORT Label
- Local action against discrimination in Lyon, Villeurbanne, and the Greater Lyon area
Pride at the Village
The EuroGames Village buzzed with activity, joy, and pride. The Compete Proud booth became a place for athletes and fans to sign inclusive postcards, meet ambassadors, and share messages of inclusion through sport.
Throughout the day, engaging content was captured in collaboration with the EuroGames Lyon 2025 team — from interviews to community interactions — spotlighting the energy and visibility of the Games across social media.
As evening fell, the beloved Love Boat cruise united the community once again — flags waving, music playing, and love celebrated along the Rhône.
A Celebration of Sport
Competition took centre stage as athletes filled venues across Lyon. Compete Proud ambassadors visited events, cheered on athletes, and connected with volunteers and fans alike.
Moments of encouragement and celebration were everywhere — from the artistic gymnastics floor to the swimming pool — reinforcing that sport, at its best, is inclusive, joyful, and shared.
Athlete Voices at the Centre
The week concluded with the Compete Proud Conference, a moment dedicated to placing athlete voices at the heart of the conversation around inclusion in sport.
Moderated by Javier Raya, founder of Compete Proud, and Thibaut Gigou, Head of Inclusion at EuroGames Lyon 2025, the session featured three powerful panels:
- French Champions
Jérémy Clamy-Edroux and Jérémy Stravius shared personal journeys of challenging stereotypes and representing proudly. - Inclusion in Sport
Jordan Broisin and Dimitri Pavadé spoke about accessibility, identity, and the strength of para athlete visibility. - Athlete Leadership and Legacy
Lewis Gibson and Nikki Symmons reflected on their roles as leaders in the sporting world and their commitment to future generations.
“This wasn’t just a conversation — it was a space for solidarity and visibility. Athlete voices are essential in shaping inclusive sport,” said Thibaut Gigou.
Ambassadors Leading with Pride
Throughout EuroGames Lyon 2025, a diverse group of ambassadors brought visibility to the forefront — not only through panels and appearances, but by connecting directly with thousands of participants across the Village and venues.
Compete Proud and Lyon 2025 Ambassadors
- Nikki Symmons (Ireland)
- Matthew Mitcham (Australia)
- Javier Raya (Spain)
- Lewis Gibson (Great Britain)
- Gema Hassen (Spain)
- Jérémy Stravius (France)
- Dimitri Pavadé (France)
- Jordan Broisin (France)
- Marie Patouillet (France)
- Jérémy Clamy-Edroux (France)
“Sport can change the world — but only if it reflects the world we live in.” – Nikki Symmons
“Our legacy lives not only in medals, but in the spaces we help open for others.” – Jérémy Stravius
A Milestone for Inclusion in Europe
With over 5,500 participants, high-level institutional support, and a strong focus on inclusion, EuroGames Lyon 2025 set a new benchmark for LGBTIQ+ sporting events.
“EuroGames Lyon 2025 was not just a sporting event — it was a powerful moment of visibility, solidarity, and joy. The presence of elite athletes and ambassadors made a lasting impact on everyone here,” said Cédric Lemarié, President of EuroGames Lyon 2025.
Legacy in Motion
The success of EuroGames Lyon 2025 has created real momentum. For Compete Proud, this collaboration marks an important step in building more inclusive spaces in the sporting world.
Together with EuroGames Lyon 2025, we are committed to continuing this journey — supporting athlete visibility, empowering new voices, and creating opportunities for sport to be a place where everyone belongs.
