Let the EuroGames begin!

Ahoy, Thursday evening July 22^nd. Over 2.000 people stream into the large main hall, which soon is filled, filled with the buzz of greetings, chatter and talk. Athletes from all countries come together and a great atmosphere is soon apparent. EuroGames chairman Hans van Dop addressed the crowd, after which the party can start.

Super ambassador 

After the welcome speech a deafening drum band enters the hall, guiding the flag bearers of the participating countries to the stage. There the flags form an honour guard – a beautiful sight. Then the mayor of Rotterdam and ambassador of the EuroGames 2011, Ahmed Aboutaleb, enters the stage to hold a speech. We are very fortunate to have this super ambassador, who supported the EuroGames from the beginning and has taken the time out to visit various parts of the games. This has also impressed Louise Englefield, co-president van de European Gay and Lesbian Sports Foundation (EGLSF), who commented: "Never, never, never have I seen such commitment from the mayor of the city where the EuroGames - or any event for that matter - are held. Fantastic and something to be really proud of."

Colours of the rainbow

And proud we are! Just as our mayor, who stated: “As the mayor, I am proud of the fact that the EuroGames are being held here in Rotterdam. The Eurogames are not just a colourful sports event and cultural celebration. It involves more than that. We want to show society something: that everyone has the right to be open about who he or she is, and he or she loves, and that there must be room for differences. Differences make human beings unique. Whether it is about talent, origin or sexual orientation. Black and white do not brighten our lives; the colours of the rainbow do.

Human rights

“We should make our voices heard”, continues the mayor,  “as long as: homosexuality is a criminal offence in some countries, as long as gay & lesbian couples cannot walk the streets safely, and as long as gay & lesbian couples are harassed and bullied out of their own neighbourhood.

We should make it clear that: human rights concern everyone; anywhere, at any place at any time and furthermore, differences in religion, culture and tradition are no excuse for not taking human rights seriously. You will always find me at your side fighting this battle. Respecting human rights is important but it is only a beginning. We do not go for “don’t ask, don’t tell” but for a celebration of life, in all aspects. In other words: respecting human beings, our differences and the choices we make in life. That is what we will show during the EuroGames of 2011! This just leaves me with wishing everyone here today a fantastic, sportive and colorful event.

I hereby declare the EuroGames 2011 in Rotterdam opened"

Upon these impressive words the party really kicks off with fantastic performances and a groovy DJ bringing the roof down. But, as most will have to compete the next day, the dancing simply can not go on till the early hours…