For the first time in their history the EuroGames were attended by a member of Germany's Federal Government. Mrs Brigitte Zypries, Federal Minister of Justice, addressed the 9th EuroGames at the opening ceremony hold on Thursday in Munich's Olympic Hall (Olympiahalle).

At around 8 pm the Federal Minister of Justice welcomed all sportswomen and sportsmen who had come to Munich to participate in this year's EuroGames. After her speech more than 5,300 athletes coming from 38 different countries marched into the Olympic Hall according to Olympic fashion. Being a keen sportswoman herself, she enjoys jogging, playing tennis and skiing. 'Homosexuality is a social reality', says Zypries. Unfortunately, social acceptance keeps lagging behind. Therefore, with her visit she is aiming at enhancing 'the respect for homosexual life styles'.