About BGS

SPORTS

foto bgs party

Statutes

Publication of the statutes of a.s.b.l. BGS (in French)
statutes of v.z.w. BGS (in Dutch)

The Statutes of the BGS state that the object of the association is "The self development of homosexual people through the practise of sport".

We believe that the practise of sport is an essential element in the personal and social development of homosexuals.

We are not looking to shut ourselves in a ghetto! We want to enable those who feel intimidated by the sometimes 'macho' world of sport and who wish to practise sport, to be able to do so in a friendly, accepting environment.

Clearly you are free to stay or, at anytime, to pursue your sporting interests elsewhere.

By so doing hetero sports people may discover aspects of homos that they had not even suspected. They may be surprised that homosexuals have the same sporting abilities and develop them in the same way as heterosexuals do, that homosexuals are indistinguishable as such on the field, in the changing rooms and in the clubs.

Our activities allow everyone to participate at their own level. You do not have to be 'the best' in order to take part. Participation, personal development and the enjoyment of that, is what we hope that the BGS will give to you.

Another purpose of the BGS is to provide a space where the sexes can meet in a totally different atmosphere from the usual homosexual meeting places. Sport provides the environment whereby people of both sexes can meet and discover in each other the richness and diversity of humanity, broadening our vision of life.

Sport is by its nature an activity that develops and opens our spirits. Even if this openness can be subverted by competition it is up to us to guard against this and to remain open to others.

This is the credo of the BGS and what we hope you will find as benefits of being a member of BGS.

History

BGS started in 1991 as a group of friends who played volleyball under the name of the ‘Coccinelles’ and by 2010 it has become an association with more than 650 members.

Susana interview

Raoul & Peter interview

BGS origin 2 par CA

Patrick interview

BGS origin 3 par CA

Activities

There are separate sections organising badminton, body conditioning, ballroom dancing, hiking, running, swimming, tennis, volleyball, yoga and even choral singing and a genuine theatre company. Every week hundreds of us gather in a welcoming and accepting atmosphere to pursue the activities we enjoy in various locations all over Brussels.

BGS also promotes sport by organising and participating in various competitions and large-scale events:

Brussels Games

In September, BGS organises its annual multi-sports and activities tournament (more than 550 people, both male and female, take part of it).

Swim for Life

This annual sponsored swimming marathon takes place in November. The purpose of this event is to raise funds for various HIV/AIDS related causes which are selected each year by the Committee. Over the last years, more than 320.000 EUR has been raised and distributed to a few selected charities. Thank you to all who helped and contributed.

International Competitions

BGS participates in various tournaments organised by other Gay and Lesbian Sports clubs in Europe or elsewhere in the world, as well as the Gay Games and the Eurogames.

In all events participants can play at their own level - the emphasis is on pleasure - but they also have the chance to meet people from different cultures and to see different cities.

BGS is a member of the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation ( EGLSF ).

Welcome to the BGS. We look forward to meeting you at one of our activities. We hope that you enjoy being with us.