English side win gay world championship

[Marcus Marulus]

English side win gay world championship


English side Stonewall Lions beat Argentinian side SAF Gay 5-0 in the final of the annual gay men's world championship here on Saturday, organisers said. (Stonewall FC)

LONDON (AFP) - English side Stonewall Lions beat Argentinian side SAF Gay 5-0 in the final of the annual gay men's world championship here on Saturday, organisers said.

Stonewall triumphed over the Seleccion Argentina de Futbol Gay at the Matchroom Stadium, home of the east London third-tier English League One side Leyton Orient.

The trophy was presented by former England midfielder Trevor Brooking. The tournament was organised by the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association.

Teams from Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Scotland, Sweden and the United States registered to take part.

Stonewall -- who won the European gay football championship last month -- lost in the final of last year's championship, held in Buenos Aires, to Argentinian side Deportistas Argentinos Gays.

Peter Tatchell, Britain's most prominent gay human rights campaigner, said: "This championship brings together lesbian and gay football teams from across the world, encourages more gay people to get involved in the sport and, through the spending power of visiting teams and spectators, benefits the London economy.

"It challenges the machismo and homophobia that is often associated with football in many parts of the world.

"Gay footballers help break down stereotypes and prejudice. They are ambassadors for gay inclusion and equality. Gay football enhances understanding and acceptance of gay and lesbian people."

[source]

[Germanicus]

Its great to see Trevor Brooking still active, who else could they get to present the award Dale Winton?