Wales football icon Jess Fishlock has become an ambassador for the 2027 EuroGames in Cardiff, citing the current political climate for LGBTQ+ people as her motivation. The 39-year-old, who retired from international duty last October after 166 caps and 48 goals, was approached during Cardiff Pride to take on the role for Europe's largest LGBTQ+ multi-sport event.

The EuroGames, founded in 1992, will see up to 10,000 participants compete across Cardiff venues, including Llanrumney where Fishlock grew up. As an out gay woman and Welsh sports figure, she felt compelled to accept. "It's important for visibility," Fishlock told BBC Sport, noting the significance of hosting in her hometown as the first UK city to welcome the event.

Fishlock emphasized using her platform to promote tolerance, particularly regarding transgender athletes. The EuroGames follow different participation rules than mainstream sports bodies, allowing transgender competitors to compete in their lived gender category. With growing homophobia in British schools and no out gay male players in UK professional football, Fishlock sees the event as crucial for education and acceptance. She hopes the Games will help combat stigma and create a more inclusive sporting environment.