French sports minister supports Gay Games
By HOWARD HARDING – Squash Mad International Correspondent
The French Squash Federation (FFS), the World Squash Federation (WSF) and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) proudly support squash’s participation at the 2018 Gay Games taking place from August 4-12 in Paris. This year’s edition of the worldwide sport and cultural event that promotes diversity and tolerance marks the eighth time squash is part of the official programme of the Gay Games, with a packed week of action at the Charléty Stadium.
The event is open to all, regardless of skill level, and is welcoming 104 participants, women and men, representing 20 different nationalities, including Hungary, Ireland, Malaysia, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, and of course France, among others.Â
The pool of participants also demonstrates that squash is a truly intergenerational sport, as the participants’ age range is from twenties to sixties.
The French association Les Petites Frappes is ensuring that the players have the best stage to compete and to celebrate through sport the values of diversity, respect and solidarity.
WSF President Jacques Fontaine commented: “We are very proud of squash being an integral part of this dynamic and celebratory multi-sport event taking place across the city of Paris. The Gay Games are an excellent demonstration of the important role that sport can play in society, by bringing people together and promoting diversity and mutual respect. As we are vying to be included in the Olympic programme, we are eager to demonstrate how squash can also contribute to promoting Paris 2024 Olympic Games’ vision in terms of diversity and inclusiveness.”
PSA CEO Alex Gough said: “PSA welcomes squash’s participation at the Paris 2018 Gay Games as further proof of how vibrant and inclusive our sport is internationally. At PSA we actively support players who identify themselves as LGBT and we hope that this event will inspire more people to try our sport.”
President of the Association Les Petites Frappes Frédéric Casas added: “Paris 2018 Gay Games is a significant milestone for our association, as we seek to promote LGBT communities’ integration through the game of squash. We truly hope that the event will help squash to reach an even larger number of people internationally, no matter their sexual orientation, origin or cultural background.”
About Les Petites Frappes
Les Petites Frappes is a French association based in Paris and affiliated with the Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (FSGL). The association promotes squash for all through organising trainings and education sessions, staging joint events with other LGBT associations and bringing together every person who wants to learn or practice squash. Several members of Les Petites Frappes regularly take part in European tournaments. The association is also in charge of the squash event organisation at the Paris 2018 Gay Games.
Picture courtesy of WSF and PSAÂ