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Olympian and LGBTQ sports club president win EGLSF awards

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Otto Drakenberg, who competed at the 1988 Olympics and is president of the Swedish Fencing Federation, has challenged Saudi Arabia’s growing influence; Sara Perez Garcia, president of Diversport Torremolinos, was also recognised for her work on LGBTQ inclusion; awards announced at EuroGames 2024 in Vienna…

Otto Drakenberg and Sara Perez Garcia are the winners of the EGLSF Advocacy Awards 2024

A former Olympic athlete who championed human rights and the president of an LGBTQ+ sports club in Spain have been named winners of the 2024 EGLSF Advocacy Awards.

The awards are presented by the EGLSF (European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation) to nominated individuals “whose actions have had a positive impact on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and non-binary sports movement”.

Otto Drakenbergwho represented Sweden in fencing in Seoul ’88 and later headed the national federation, is known for his public criticism of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the sport. In Saudi Arabia, same-sex sexual activity is still criminalized and women’s rights and freedom of expression are severely restricted.

Sara Perez Garcia is congratulated on her excellent work in growing the inclusive Diversport club in Torremolinos.

The Advocacy Awards were announced during the EuroGames in Vienna, where more than 4,000 athletes will compete in the largest LGBTQ-inclusive multi-sport event of its kind in Europe.

Standing up for freedom

Drakenberg made headlines in February last year when the Swedish Fencing Federation (SFF) released video footage from the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Congress, held in Lausanne three months earlier.

In the footage, Drakenberg is seen addressing congress on the topic of Saudi Arabia’s uncontested bid to host the 2024 Junior World Championships. He asks delegates to consider how welcoming LGBTQ fencers will be, only to see some in the room silence him by banging tables.

@swedishfencing 2022 Congress of the International Fencing Federation in Lausanne debates the decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2024 Junior and Cadet World Championships. #fencing #fäktning #swedishfencing #svenskafäktförbundet #sportwashing #ottodrakenberg #drakenberg #svff ♬ original sound – Svensk Fäktning

Despite considerable, vocal opposition, Drakenberg continues to speak out, highlighting the restrictions placed on women and the fact that Saudi Arabia is at war with Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.

The SFF later filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over the matter.

In its citation, the EGLSF noted how the 57-year-old Drakenberg “is committed to the rights and safety of LGBTQI practitioners within the sport of fencing… Championing LGBTQI rights within sport takes courage.

“The courage and determination that Otto Drakenberg showed during the meeting are the essence of the Advocacy Award.”

When asked by SVT Sport last year about his experience in Lausanne, Drakenberg said: “Perhaps the most surprising thing was that nobody, absolutely nobody from the free world stood up.

“That the wall of complaining could remain unchallenged. I found that terrifying.”

‘Incredible friendships’

The second winner of the EGLSF award is Perez, the president of Diversport Torremolinos, an LGBTQ+ non-profit organisation founded in 2018 on the Costa del Sol. The organisation has over 300 members who participate in 10 different sports.

The EGLSF said Perez “has created a welcoming environment for people of all nationalities and backgrounds, particularly those who feel excluded from traditional sports clubs.

“She was involved in the process of promoting EuroGames 2024 and the Euro Pride 2027 Torremolinos candidacy. With her positive attitude, she not only leads a sports club, but also creates a space that creates incredible friendships.”

For more information about the EGLSF, please visit the federation’s website.

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