Lancaster hosts PYG24
12th September 2024
Pride Youth Games took place in Lancaster
In the beginning of August, 100 LGBTIQ+ young people took part in Pride Youth Games, a UK-wide annual inclusive physical activity residential, hosted in England this year by our partner Pride Sports, and in conjunction with the fabulous StreetGames team. Participants, aged 16-25, took part in a wide variety of fun and engaging physical activities at the University of Cumbria in Lancaster campus. Climbing, rugby and parkour were amongst the activities on offer this year. Participants also tried football, run by Morecambe FC, and karate, wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball run by Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Social activities provided laughter and new skills, delivered by Queer By Gum.
LEAP Sports had the pleasure of taking part in the event by taking 25 participants from Scotland to the event. Other participants were from England and Wales.
The activities were focused on increasing participation and on enabling a safe and inclusive environment for people to try out new activities. The event also provided a platform for conversations with young people about what would enable them to participate more fully in sports. Participants emphasised the importance of coaches being lively, accommodating, and genuinely interested in fostering an inclusive environment.
Participant feedback:
“I really enjoyed trying out the gym and will give it a go when I get back!”
“I was never allowed to try dance at school as a boy, and so I loved this at Pride Youth Games and want to do more”
“It’s great knowing you’re in a safe, queer space and can try new things”
“I am actually better than I thought at some sports”.
We are looking forward to hosting Pride Youth Games in Scotland again next year. It will take place once again in Largs on the 8th to 10th of August 2025.
At the end of this year's Games, it was also announced that it will go back to England for 2026 and then to Wales again in 2027 to coincide with Cardiff hosting the first ever EuroGames to take place in the UK earlier that summer.
