It is often said that sport provides an equal playground for all, and the differences are seen as diversity. Over 2800 participants at the European Universities Games from all around Europe are definitely a strong signal in this direction.

 

Today was a rest day at the Games for most of the teams, with the exception of remaining volleyball matches from the first stage. Football players also did not have time to rest, as the second stage competition began, and today 9 matches have been played in men’s and women’s category altogether.

 

The second part of the masterclasses series started today, with the topic of LGBT issues in sports. The introduction to the seminar was given by Koen van Dijk, Director COC Netherlands, explaining the reasons why acceptance and visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in sport matters not just for the athletes, but also to fans and wider community.

 

 

In the panel discussion three experts took part - Christa Kanters from Ketelbinkie, Ney Flavio Albes Barbosa from Alegria and Tamara Tien from EGLSF. Special guests were also two famous out Dutch athletes Mike Verschuur and Jeffrey Wammes who spoke about their experiences.

 

Tomorrow the sports competitions in volleyball, basketball and football continue with the quarter-finals and badminton with competitions in doubles and singles; also the series of masterclasses will witness another interesting theme on elite sports & education.

 

Have you installed the EUGames2014 app yet? For links and other details, please see www.eugames2014.eu.