Video message from patrons of TIP Paris International Tournament (with English translation)

Paris International Tournament (TIP) / 10-13 June 2011
Promoting tolerance and openness in the world of sport


Marielle Bousquet / Age 26 / Sweeper / French national volleyball team / Patron of the TIP 2011

I’ve been playing volleyball for about 10 years, and on the national team for the last 5 years, with a regular spot on the team for the last two years.

What does the TIP mean for you?

It’s a great idea because it allows / for the promotion of tolerance and open-mindedness, /
while mixing them with the values of sport. / It’s something I live every day. / I’m happy to be the patron of something that goes in that direction. / Being straight, gay, it’s the same.  / We’re here to play sport, and in our sport we’re all the same.  / We’re together, there’s no difference. / So it’s more about being open minded and tolerant.



Romain Mesnil / Age 33 / Pole vaulter / Silver at world championships / in 2007 and 2009 / Patron of the TIP 2011

I started my career as an elite athlete in 1998, / when I was fairly young, so it’s been 14 years now. / Like most athletes, I’ve highs and lows in my career.


What’s a straight guy doing as patron of the TIP?

I found it great to have thought of me, as a straight man / as patron of an LGBT event. / That’s what I like about it, / an event that brings together people of all nationalities, straight and gay.  / It’s a tournament that’s above all about having fun, / about being together and playing sport, / about playing hard and having fun. / And about partying! / Because gays have a reputation for enjoying partying.



Sport = homophobia?
I’ve personally never had any problems since coming out. / I’ve always lived it very naturally, / presenting my girlfriend naturally, / and it’s always gone well. / But I’m sure there are lots of athletes who don’t speak of their orientation. / Maybe more with guys, because it’s more of an issue for them.  / It’s a pity, but I think things are getting better.

Any event that can promote gays, and in particular combat stereotypes: / a guy can play rugby and be gay, a girl can do dance and be a lesbian, / we need to get beyond these stereotypes.


The values of sport for fighting homophobia

For me the first value of sport is pleasure, / going beyond your limits. / It’s human dignity, and tolerance, / and that’s the principle of the TIP.

Do you have a message for the participants in the TIP?

Play hard! And make the most of this moment / to share with each other,  / and to promote tolerance and open-mindedness via sport.

Good luck to all of you! / Play hard, and have fun! / Share this pleasure.

Paris International Tournament (TIP) / 10-13 June 2011

More than 1500 amateur athletes / 28 nationalities / in 20 sports / More than 20 sports facilities / in Paris / 150 volunteers / 20 clubs / To promote tolerance and openness in the world of sport