EuroGames Lyon 2025 and Compete Proud are thrilled to announce their partnership, aimed at furthering the conversation on LGBTIQ+ inclusivity in sports. With a shared commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at every level—from grassroots to the Olympic stage—the collaboration promises to deliver a memorable experience during one of Europe’s largest LGBTIQ+ sporting events.

The EuroGames Lyon 2025, scheduled to take place from July 23-26, 2025, will provide a unique platform for athletes of all backgrounds to compete in a wide variety of sports, fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity in the process. As the event approaches, this partnership with Compete Proud brings a wealth of expertise and experience to Lyon, with a team of DEI advocates who are committed to transforming the sporting landscape.

As part of this collaboration, we are proud to welcome two incredible ambassadors to the EuroGames Lyon 2025 family: Nikki Symmons and Matthew Mitcham. Both athletes bring an invaluable perspective to the table, drawing from their personal experiences and ongoing work to create more inclusive sports environments.

 

Matthew Mitcham: A Trailblazer in Diving and Advocacy

Matthew Mitcham’s distinguished career in diving has earned him global recognition, particularly for his remarkable victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he became the first openly gay Olympic champion. Not only did Mitcham’s gold medal in Beijing secure his place in history, but his courageous decision to come out before competing in the Games made him a trailblazer for the LGBTQIA+ community in the world of sports.

Over his 18-year career, Matthew has solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes, completing the rare “golden trifecta” by winning Olympic (2008), World Cup (2010), and Commonwealth Games (2014) gold medals. Since retiring, Matthew has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health, and wellbeing, working tirelessly to create a more inclusive space for athletes of all backgrounds.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the EuroGames Lyon 2025 and work with Compete Proud,” says Matthew. “The power of sport in bringing people together is immense, and I’m honored to be a part of this movement that’s pushing the boundaries of inclusivity and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.”

 

Nikki Symmons: A Champion for Inclusion and Diversity

Nikki Symmons, a former international hockey player with 13 years of elite experience, is a powerful advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights and inclusion in sport. As the first female athlete in Ireland to publicly come out as gay, Nikki has been a trailblazer in advancing equity and representation for LGBTIQ+ athletes.

Beyond her sports career, Nikki is a leader in the DEI space, having established the first global LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), Stripes Global, at her company. In addition to co-authoring a chapter in the book When the World Stops Watching, Nikki is an inspiring speaker and advisor, helping organizations and communities foster environments that are supportive, inclusive, and empowering.

“I’m so proud to be joining EuroGames Lyon 2025 with Compete Proud. Together, we’re helping to create a space where athletes can thrive in environments that value diversity and inclusion. I hope my experience can inspire others to believe in themselves and to fight for the respect and equality we all deserve,” says Nikki.

 

A Growing Team of Advocates and DEI Experts

Matthew and Nikki join a growing team of DEI advocates, Olympians, Paralympians, and sporting professionals who are already part of EuroGames Lyon 2025. Together with Compete Proud, this partnership will amplify efforts to make sports a more inclusive space for all. The team will share their expertise in areas such as DEI advocacy, education, inclusive policies, accessibility, and athlete empowerment, creating a supportive and engaging environment for athletes, fans, and communities alike.

“EuroGames Lyon 2025 is more than just a sporting event—it is a catalyst for lasting change in the world of sports. Through our legacy program, we are committed to improving the inclusion of LGBTIQ+ athletes beyond the Games themselves. With the support of Compete Proud and our incredible team of ambassadors, we will not only celebrate diversity but also drive real transformation, ensuring that sport becomes a welcoming space for all, today and for the future”, says Cédric Lemarié, EuroGames Lyon 2025 President.

The Leading DEI Voice for the LGBTIQ+ Community in Sports – From Grassroots to the Olympic Stage

Compete Proud is the leading DEI voice for the LGBTIQ+ community in sports. Its mission is to empower athletes by sharing their stories, advocating for more inclusive sports environments, and providing tools to drive positive change in sports organizations, grassroots initiatives, and corporate partners. Compete Proud will continue to advance discussions surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the sporting world, ensuring that every athlete feels supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Through the combined efforts of Compete Proud and EuroGames Lyon 2025, the message of inclusivity in sports will continue to gain momentum, fostering a new era where every athlete can feel seen, supported, and celebrated. This partnership will also engage various stakeholders and actors from the sporting world and Olympic Movement to elevate the ongoing conversations around DEI in sports, ultimately ensuring that these values are embedded in the future of the industry.

Join Us in Lyon: A Celebration of Pride and Excellence

The EuroGames Lyon 2025 promises to be an extraordinary event, showcasing the talent, strength, and resilience of LGBTIQ+ athletes from around the world. With the support of Compete Proud, this partnership will help ensure that the games are not just about competition but about creating a lasting impact on the culture of sport.

Together, we will continue to push for a future where sports are for everyone—where all athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can #CompeteProud and with confidence.

For more information on EuroGames Lyon 2025 and to learn more about how you can get involved, visit EuroGames Lyon 2025 Website and Compete Proud.