A partnership between LEAP Sports Scotland and the City of Glasgow College will enable the first LGBTI Team Scotland to participate in the Gay Games in Paris in August 2018.
City of Glasgow College will be the official sponsor of the team kit, which was officially launched at a special event on the college campus on 27 June.
Team behind the team
Paul Little, principal and chief executive of City of Glasgow College, is excited to see the college get involved with the Games.
“As champions of equality, diversity and inclusion we recognise the major role sport plays in bringing people together," said Paul.
"City of Glasgow College is very proud to sponsor Team Scotland to enable them to participate in this international sporting and cultural event and our best wishes go with them.”
The Gay Games has taken place every four years since its conception in 1982. The Games was created to bring people together from all walks of life, without discrimination and offering everyone the opportunity to participate in their own way.
For the 2018 Games, LEAP Sports are coordinating Team Scotland’s participation in the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the official merchandise and official Team Scotland reception in Paris.
Hugh Torrance, executive director for LEAP Sports Scotland, said: "Sport is for everyone, and this will mark the first time many of the team have taken part in a sports tournament like this.
"It is a privilege for LEAP Sports to work with and support the team towards participation, inclusion and personal best - the three goals of the Gay Games.
"Partnerships such as this are so valuable, and we are delighted to have the support of City of Glasgow College in making this initiative happen."
Progressive values
Participating in the Games as part of Team Scotland will be sportscotland COV Awards winner, Miki Lee Dale. The 2017 Young Person's Coach of the Year will be participating in the single scull rowing event.
“The world is a complicated place when it comes to LGBTI rights," said Miki Lee.
"I'm rowing at the Paris Gay Games because it's a great chance to represent the progressive values of Scotland on an international platform.
"[I want] to row side by side with those who have less opportunity to celebrate who they are and to express their potential fully and freely.”
Find out more
More information about the 2018 Gay Games can be found here.
For more information about Miki Lee Dale and his success at the COV awards, click here.
