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Do you know...Dora Borst

The 29-year-old Dora Borst is communications adviser for the Rotterdam Centraal project and since last year director of her own business, Concept Circus. She's also one of the founders of the Rainbow Rockerts Foundation. For the EuroGames she's organized the New Year Party and the volunteers' parties and is at present project leader for city-centre programme planning.

Dora, what will you be doing for the Rotterdam games?
"I'm responsible for promoting the various cafés, clubs, restaurants and so forth in Rotterdam's city centre. The idea is to ensure we can present the sportsmen and sportswomen with a hand-out telling them where the greatest cultural spots are to be found. I'm head of a team of three other volunteers and together we've been able to recruit various leisure businesses to the programme. Those taking part are: Rotown, Stalles, Vibes, Hemmingway, Blender, De Zondebock & Het Zwarte Schaap, Gay Palace and of course all the gay places."

This sounds all very promising! What is your motivation for the EuroGames?
"It's important to draw attention to the hospitability of Rotterdam, so that it's clear that we're also a friendly city. That there's room for pleasure and relaxation alongside all that hard work. And I find it important to keep hammering at gay emancipation. The rights we've won here in the Netherlands need to be fostered and actively promoted."

Are you yourself a little bit into sport?
"Hmmm... I used to be! I've always enjoyed jogging around the Kraling Lake here in Rotterdam and as well as that I enjoy Pilates. But right now the only sport I'm involved in is helping to organize the EuroGames, which I'm enjoying immensely."

Do you feel a lot of affinity with the gay community?
"Yes, that's something I do have. I'm bisexual and I have a lot of friends in the 'pink circuit'. I feel a lot for the community and intend to contribute to the fortunes of Rotterdam gay life in the years to come."

Are you pleased with the results achieved so far?
"You need to be constantly revising your hopes and expectations, but it remains a challenging project. In many ways comparable with life itself: each day is different. I enjoy solving problems and to be rapidly changing gear all the time. Really great!"

What's been the top spot in your life so far?
"Oh, on stage at the Princes Theatre of course! Now – ha ha, I don't think so! But my network keeps expanding and it would be really great if Dora Borst were to become a household word in Rotterdam. A dame who can work hard but has an eye for people too."

Who would you like to present the EuroGames to?
"That has to be all of Rotterdam itself plus our international sportspeople. I want to give them all a really great Rotterdam experience and ensure that no-one can possibly ignore our city. Rotterdam: where it's all happening!"