The CSD launches the ‘Equals in Sport’ strategy to empower women sportsmen, LGTBI people and athletes with disabilities
The CSD will develop the strategy “Equals in Sport”, to promote equality, make diversity visible and eliminate discrimination
‘Equals in Sport’ encompasses a dual course of action that includes both actions focused on the development of public policies and awareness, with commemorative events, days of debate and exhibitions
The first of these will take place this Thursday on the occasion of the International Day Against LGTBIphobia in Sport, which is commemorated next Saturday, February 19
“The equality policy is a fundamental pillar of this Council and our maximum commitment is to combat any type of discrimination”, assures the president, José Manuel Franco
Madrid, February 14, 2022. The Higher Sports Council (CSD) will develop over the next few months the “Equals in Sport” strategy, with the aim of promoting equality, making diversity visible and ending discrimination against women, the LGTBI community and people with disabilities in the sports field.
The Secretary of State for Sport, José Manuel Franco, highlights the firm commitment of the CSD in this regard: “The equality policy is a fundamental pillar of this Council and our maximum commitment is to combat any type of discrimination in sport,” he says.
“The institutions and their representatives are responsible for transferring to society values that make us better and that is the main objective of this strategy. Sport must be a space of equality that serves as a mirror for all citizens and as such we will defend it”, he adds.
Development of the “Equals in Sport” strategy
This strategy encompasses a dual course of action that includes both actions focused on the development of public policies and awareness. As far as the political sphere is concerned, decisions of particular relevance to the achievement of equality have already been taken. Thus, a specific item of about 32 million euros has been allocated in the General State Budgets (PGE) of 2022 for the Social Plan of Sport that includes the development of sports policies of inclusion and equality. This amount, from the recovery funds and framed within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, will increase to 77.9 million throughout the legislature.
In addition, during this year the Observatory on Equality in Sport will be launched, a specialized body in this field that will be responsible for ensuring good practices in the field of equality and non-discrimination in sports.
Events and days
As far as awareness-raising activities are concerned, the starting point will take place this Thursday during an act of protest on the occasion of the International Day Against LGTBIphobia in Sport, which is commemorated on Saturday 19 February. It will be attended by athletes such as Eva Moral, Marc Tur, Eli Pinedo, Lola Romero and Damián Quintero who, together with the Minister of Culture and Sport, Miquel Iceta, and the president of the CSD, José Manuel Franco, will read a text on the importance of non-discrimination on issues related to the orientation and sexual identity of people. This action will continue over time on June 28, International LGTBI Pride Day.
Also, on the occasion of 8 March – International Women’s Day – the Council will organise a conference focused on analysing and debating the presence of women in different sports fields: the media, the governing bodies and the competition itself. Five round tables will be held throughout them with the participation of journalists, leaders in the sports sector and sportsmen.
These meetings will begin on March 4 within the framework of what will be “Women in Sport Week”, in which there will also be a photographic exhibition under the title: “Equals in Sport”. The exhibition will be installed outside the building of the Superior Sports Council, located at Calle Martín Fierro, 5.
Finally, in December, the month in which the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated, actions will be carried out to value inclusive sport and the people who practice it, with a programme similar to the previous ones.
