On Saturday 18 October 2025, the first edition of Move&Mingle will take place at sports centre Victoria in Rotterdam: a free sports and social day for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 12 to 20, and young people who are questioning their sexual or gender identity. Friends, parents, carers, teachers and other professionals are also warmly welcome.
Background
Recent research by Gender & Sexuality Alliances in the Netherlands shows that many LGBTQIA+ young people feel unsafe at school, at sports clubs and sometimes at home. Move&Mingle was set up to counterbalance this: a day on which these young people take centre stage, are supported, and discover that they are not on their own.
Programme
The day starts at 11:00 with a joint welcome, followed by a range of sports clinics: hockey, freerunning, yoga, crossfit and wheelchair basketball. A free lunch is provided, taking dietary requirements into account. Creative workshops include make-up sessions and designing your own sportswear. There are also sessions on identity, coming out and self-confidence. Parents and professionals get a separate inspiration session with practical tools. The day ends with relaxed networking moments.
Registration
Participation is free but registration via Eventbrite is required. For questions you can contact Maike van Oyen.
Partners: John Blankenstein Foundation, RBLO, Rotterdam SportSupport, City of Rotterdam, Lifting Lion and KNHB.
