Goals and Aims
The EuroGames 2022 Nijmegen Outreach Program aims to ensure that all athletes who wish to take part in the EuroGames are able and at liberty to do so, by providing aid to those participants who would otherwise be unable to partake without support. Some have financial difficulties, some experience discrimination, bigotry, or fear, some have difficulties in applying for a visa. The program strives to remove those obstacles that prevent participation, thereby not only strengthening the EuroGames’s aim of inclusiveness but also allowing athletes from all over Europe to experience a safe environment to partake in sport, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, cultural or religious backgrounds.
Support
The Organising body of the EuroGames 2022 Nijmegen will provide support for athletes in need by offering them up to a maximum of €500 to cover costs such as registration fee, travel expenses, accommodation, visa costs, insurance etc. When an application has been approved these costs will be reimbursed upon arrival in Nijmegen based on receipts; alternatively, tickets will be booked directly by the Organisers.
As funds for the Outreach program are limited, the selection process is competitive, and realistically not all applicants will be funded.
The organization will set up an accommodation platform on social media in order for all athletes to get in contact with possible host families or other housing options.
The organization will provide aid for those seeking to apply for a visa from the Dutch embassy in their country of origin by means of a Letter of Invitation.
Eligibility
Applicants are members of the LGBTQI+ community and qualify for outreach support if their living situation corresponds with one of the categories below:
i) People living in European countries with limited or no LGBTQI+ rights, such as countries in
Eastern Europe or in South Eastern Europe
ii) People whose country of origin is as above but are currently not residing there, and who may
be experiencing financial difficulties or discrimination because of their situation, such as migrants
or minorities
iii) People outside of Europe, living in a country with limited or no LGBTQI+ rights
As the EuroGames mostly target a European audience, applications from categories i) and ii) are prioritized. Applications from outside Europe are only eligible if funding allows.
The organization will base the eligibility of European countries with regard to LGBTQI+ rights on Rainbow Europe, as developed by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) as stated on their website in the 2021 map and their annual review of the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people in Europe and Central Asia.
Apply
The deadline for accepting support applications has passed
Athletes could apply to the outreach program by filling out the application form outlining their motivation e.g. why they should be selected for support, including an estimate of the expected costs, and providing the organization with a supportive statement from a second party, e.g. (sport) clubs, local (LGBTQI+) organizations, friends, employers, etc.
Incomplete applications are not considered, and support will not be extended to any other person traveling with the applicant.
Athletes who wish to receive a Letter of Invitation should contact the organization with their request and the associated form with their personal details.
Questions or requests for help with filling out the forms should be directed to outreach@eurogames2022.eu.
Deadlines
The deadline for applying to the Outreach Program was 30 January 2022. This should leave sufficient time for the organization to review all applications, and for applicants to arrange their travel plans, visa applications etc.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by 25 February 2022 at the latest.