Alternative sports is an entry from two closely linked associations that welcome all kinds of people to participate in rather untraditional sporting events: The Lightsabre Club and Reykjavík HEMA, which is focused on historical martial arts.
Both associations count several queer individuals as members and Smári Thór Baldursson, spokesperson for the joint entry, says that a lot of people from the queer community identify with others who have not found a place in traditional sports.
“We think it’s important to showcase alternative types of sports, for alternative people. Who you are shouldn’t stop you from finding training that suits your physical and mental health.”
He adds that both associations offer sports that require both significant physical activity and strength. At Reykjavík HEMA, competitors are graded in accordance with an international standard. Medieval fencing is an international sport with a longsword that weights around 10 kilos. The same scoring system is applied to lightsabre competitions. “Another interesting thing about lightsabre fencing is that we create choreographies,” he says. “It’s really a combination of theatre and fencing.”
Both associations offer training at the facilities of the Fencing Club of Reykjavík at Laugardalsvöllur, where HEMA has been for several years now. The Lightsabre Club was established about a year ago.
Smári says that many participants belong to both associations as they are interested in several different fencing styles. He’s a great lightsabre fan himself and explains that his interest originates with the Star Wars movies. “It’s true what they say about men - the only thing that changes is the price tag of the toys,” he jokingly says.
Smári says there’s definitely a shortage of alternative sports.
“We’ve had a couple of outdoors training sessions. People responded in one of two ways: They were either excited and wanted to try or they regarded us with suspicion. We want to show people that you can do whatever it is you’re interested in despite public opinion.”
He says that he experienced some prejudice when he practised more traditional sports when he was younger but never in alternative sports. Alternative sports welcome everyone.
The grant from the Pride Parade Fund will mainly be used to purchase flags, decoration and other props for Saturday’s Pride Parade entry.
Photos by Bjarki Jóhannsson.
