French Minister of Sport and Mayor of Paris patrons of TIP

FGG member organization FSGL is pleased to announce that its annual tournament, the Tournoi international de Paris (TIP), will be held under the patronage of Ms. Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin, minister of health and sport, and of Mr. Bertrand Delanoë, mayor of Paris.

As the official sponsors of the TIP with Games Cologne, the FGG is proud of the work done by the FSGL to prepare for this event and to obtain these high-profile endorsements of individuals who are truly committed to the cause of inclusion and the fight against homophobia. More information about the TIP at: www.paris-tournement.org.

In her letter to the TIP team, Ms. Bachelot states:
"You know how dear the cause of sport is to me. You are aware of my fight agains all forms of discrimination. This gives me two reasons to associate myself with this major multisport tournament, which, for the last six years, has actively contributed in our society to combat the prejudices of another age, and to bring together our fellow citizens, beyond their differences. What better bulwark than sport to fight against the exclusion and discrimination of which homosexual men and women are still all too often the victim in the 21st century?"

She continues by mentioning several projects involving LGBT sport: the financing of a documentary that followed synchronized swimmers from FSLG and IGLA member club Paris Aquatique as they prepared for and competed in the Eurogames, or a series of short films combating homophobia among young people that will be broadcast on Canal Plus, among which, a film set in the world of sports.

As for the mayor, in his letter he states:
"This celebration of the values of sport is the opportunity to admire and to encourage athletes who carry the banner of loyalty, solidarity, achievement, and above all, fraternity. Paris shares and defends these values, notably by an ongoing struggle against all forms of discrimination, and for a society based on equal rights. With this competition, the FSGL contributes to the vitality of Paris, by organizing one of the major worldwide LGBT sporting events.

"In a matter of a few year, the FSGL, born from a group created in 1986 in Paris, has brought together 26 sports associations, 35 sports, and 3000 members, creating a powerful movement that by means of its work and its athletic performances has acquired recognition and respect. I recall our mobilization on behalf of several of these clubs who at times encountered a certain hostility during the 1990s. The TIP is now an essential and warm encounter, awaited by the public and part of the sports calendar of national sports federations. Our capital is thus happy to be the host of the event, a matter of months before the next Gay Games, which will take place for the second time in Europe."