EuroGames 2022 Nijmegen the Netherlands: tennis is for everyone

August 23, 2022August 23, 2022 Marion Paavel

Over 2000 people from 41 countries participated in the EuroGames 2022 in Nijmegen, The Netherlands from 27-30 July. Tennis was among the 17 sports offered.

Great tournament – great atmosphere

EuroGames are a multi-sport event for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and other members of the LGBTQI+ family, whereas straight people are of course welcome to join. EuroGames are organized in a different country across Europe each year and welcomes participants from all over Europe and abroad. Nijmegen has been a wonderful host once again demonstrating it’s long-standing name as inclusive, friendly city with great sports facilities. Tennis matches were played at the lovely venues of TV Rapiditas and TC Quick, both with panorama terraces overviewing the courts.

eurogames 2022 — Tennis is for everyone – **Grete Visser** (vice-mayor Nijmegen), **Evangelos Chatzikalymnios** (winner Mixed Doubles D, Greece), **Emma van Zalinge** (winner Women’s Doubles C 40+, the Netherlands), **Marchien van Doorn** (board member Dutch national tennis association KNLTB) and **Françoise Grindou** (winner Women’s Singles and Doubles Open, France). Photo by Tao Heslenfeld.

Nijmegen and Dutch national tennis association showing support

The words of vice-mayor of Nijmegen Grete Visser sum it all up: she is proud of all participants and volunteers and she is proud of the city of Nijmegen for being the welcoming host of the EuroGames. We are pleased and honoured by the presence and speech of Marchien van Doorn, board member of the Dutch national tennis association KNLTB. She complimented all players, volunteers and visitors for the wonderful atmosphere and invited us to join the KNLTB in making Dutch tennis more inclusive. Of course we accepted that invitation.

**Marchien van Doorn,** board member of the Dutch national tennis association KNLTB underlined the importance of inclusiveness in tennis.

Vice-mayor of Nijmegen **Grete Visser** complimented all players and volunteers on a wonderful tournament. Photos by Tao Heslenfeld.

Thumbs up from ambassador and top player Demi Schuurs

“Tennis is for everyone: young and old, male, female or non-binary, cracks and crawlers. I promote the sport of tennis, because playing tennis together is healthy and lots of fun! Diversity includes visibility, because visibility increases acceptance and integration. Fortunately, most Dutch tennis players experience a safe sports climate at their club. Unfortunately, this is not yet self-evident at every club. With 25 LGTBQI+ tournaments in Europe, rainbow tennis is visible in many countries. I hope that the EuroGames Nijmegen will contribute to the further development of LGTBQI+ tennis in Europe and beyond. And I hope that LGBTQI+ people also find their way to regular tennis clubs and enjoy this beautiful sport with each other and with others. Together with the organization and with you I shout from the bottom of my heart: We Love to Move!” Demi Schuurs

More info on https://eurogames2022.eu/