Chairman Christian Bigom sees both unconditionally positive developments and new battles to be fought. Here is his status over the past year.
2021 was a very special year for Pan Idræt. Central to this was the holding of Copenhagen 2021 with WorldPride and EuroGames, which were somewhat delayed by the corona restrictions. However, chairman Christian Bigom is not deterred by this, and instead looks at the long series of development points over the year:
"We had an early goal that Copenhagen 2021 would contribute to Pan Idræt standing stronger as a club and as a community on the other side. And it must be said that we have succeeded. At the same time, we have become better at welcoming as a club, and we have received greater attention to being able to welcome target groups that do not just come by themselves. This has happened in both established and new communities, the latter specifically via a highly sought-after TransFitness team, but also in both Pan Basketball and Pan Gaming," says Christian Bigom.
From volunteer to professional organization
As the year went on and the tasks at Pan Idræt grew, it became clear to the chairman that a more permanent resource was needed, who in a paid position would be able to handle the processes that required attention. Therefore, in 2021, Pan Idræt got its first paid administrative employee.
"2021 emphasized the necessity of having a paid resource present during the day who could take care of the many tasks. I am very happy that we secured that! At the same time, we have established a number of constructive partnerships externally, not least with DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia in 2022. And there are now more clubs and organizations that are approaching us with a view to collaboration – they want to play with us! – instead of us having to be outreach. We have experience with approaches to diversity and inclusion that they want to learn more about, and some would, for example, also like to be part of the Pride Cup this summer. I think it is very positive that it has moved forward," Christian Bigom continues.
Pride within – and new struggles
"I can also feel a sense of pride in being a member of Pan Idræt, especially on social media. It means a lot."
Christian Bigom feels that 2021 has brought Pan Idræt together in several ways, both internally and in the more visible, public space. The presence on social media is greater among members, and new members say that they hear about the club through their networks because current members talk about the club.
"So I really think we are heading in the right direction, and 2021 has been a year with many good debates. The next match that awaits is the World Cup in Qatar, where there are issues in relation to diversity and inclusion. These debates arise when there are major events, and it is important to have role models in elite sports. But we must also remember to work with diversity and inclusion in grassroots sports. If we are going to change a culture, it is in the breadth. DIF and DGI, the Danish sports organizations, are fortunately turning more attention to the breadth now, but there is still some way to go. We look forward to working with that in the coming years in Pan Idræt," concludes Christian Bigom.
