PROUD CHAMPIONS
The European network of LGBTIQ+ athletes and their allies.
An initiative of Fier-Play and Compete Proud.
Pride and inspiration
Proud Champions is a European network of LGBTIQ+ athletes and allies committed to a sport where everyone can be themselves, without compromise.
We connect athletes from all walks of life, whether they are professional competitors or former athletes, and public figures around a common mission: to create visibility, inspire new generations, promote inclusion in sport, and make them proud of this diversity.
Why is this important?
Sport has the power to bring people together, but too many LGBTIQ+ athletes still face discrimination, silence, or isolation.
77%
of French people believe that the (professional) sports world remains an environment prone to homophobia (Ipsos 2023).
17%
of Generation Z individuals (born between 1996 and 2012) in France identify as LGBTIQ+ (Ipsos 2024)
66%
LGBTIQ+ people hide their identity on the field or in the locker room (Sport Inclusion Europe Survey, 2022)
Proud Champions provides a space where pride becomes a strength, where support can be found, and where inspiration is provided through example.
Discover the faces and stories behind Proud Champions
Testimonials
“I was very afraid to come out because I didn’t know what it would mean. But I was supported… and now I think it’s a good sign for others.”
Gus Kenworthy, Olympic skier
“The tears you see on screen are nothing like the ones you cry at home. It’s devastating.”
Dame Kelly Holmes, double Olympic champion
“From a very young age, I was made to feel that I didn’t belong, with comments like ‘you’re a tomboy’ or ‘you must be a lesbian if you play a boys’ sport.’”
Charline Van Snick, Olympic judoka
Fier-Play X Compete Proud
Proud Champions is supported by two associations:
Fier-Play (France) and Compete Proud (Spain).
After a successful collaboration at Pride House · Paris 2024, a unique space where sport and inclusion come together, Fier-Play and Compete Proud decided to carry on the legacy of this unique event.
This desire was also fueled by exchanges with athletes from around the world during the Games and the realization that it was time to open a dialogue with the sporting world, support athletes in their careers, and offer inspiring role models for athletes around the world.
Frédérique Vidal
Chairwoman
of fier-play
Jérémy Goupille
GENERAL MANAGER
OF fier-play
Javier Raya
FoUndER
OF COMpete proud
Nikki Symmons
MEMBER
OF compete proud
Contact-us
Are you an athlete who wants to commit to a more inclusive sport that respects all colors of the rainbow?
Write to us!