ENGSO and EGLSF support initiative in Marseille, France to provide respectful and welcoming spaces for sports

On Saturday, April 26, Marseille Rainbow Sport (MARS) organized a sports afternoon dedicated to young people aged 18 to 25 in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. This event is part of a project supported by the ENGSO and ENGSO associate member EGLSF (European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation).

The project goal is clear: to provide a respectful and welcoming space for sports, without any discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, or migration status. The project, led by MARS, is run in partnership with Le Refuge, RML (LGBT Migrants Refuge), and AIDES, three Marseille-based organizations working with LGBTQI+ youth in precarious situations or migrants.

 

During this wonderful day, more than forty participants gathered for a variety of sporting activities: soccer, volleyball, pétanque, table tennis and track and field, led by sports coaches involved in the community. 

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This afternoon was a real success, confirming the importance of sport as a wonderful tool for 

meeting, integrating, and sharing. Participants from Germany also joined and all hearts are now turned toward the EuroGames 2025 in Lyon, France.

 

This event is a direct legacy of ENGSO 2024 financial support to EGLSF as part of the re-granting mechanisms of the European Union’s CERV program on “Youth in decision-making: promoting equality and inclusion in sport”. 

 

PHOTO CREDITS: Jonathan Andrade Martinez