Greetings from the

City Council

BERLIN

Berlin has a long tradition of lesbian and gay liberation. And recently a new tradition of sport for lesbians and gays has sprung up. The Berlin City Council supports the emancipation efforts of lesbians and gays in many ways and it is active in the fight against discrimination and exclusion.

Could Johann Friedrich Jahn, Germany's 'father of gymnastics' have imagined what role the Berlin City Council would play for lesbians and gays? Jahn, who lived from 1778 - 1852, established the first German sports field in one of Berlin's city parks, the Hasenheide. It was as extraordinary then as are today's events: a lesbian and gay World Soccer Championships or the EuroGames IV.

I am pleased that Berlin has been chosen as the venue for the EuroGames IV. Best wishes to all for an enjoyable sporting competition, exciting conversations before and after events, as well as many positive impressions of Berlin.

Ingrid Stahmer, City Councilor for Education, Youth and Sport

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