History | how it all began
2025
35 years of RSZ. A historic milestone: for the first time, more than 500 members. Participation in the EuroGames in Lyon. The Frontrunners running group celebrates its 10th anniversary. New sports introduced (CrossFit, Padel, and Pétanque) as well as the relaunch of Yoga.
2024
Participation in the EuroGames in Vienna. Preparation for the club’s 35th anniversary. Focus on sustainability, diversity, and community engagement.
2023
Participation in the EuroGames in Bern. Focus on the inclusion of trans and non-binary members. Rainbow Sport Zürich strengthens its visibility in Zurich and at international sports events.
2022
Participation in the EuroGames in Nijmegen. Rainbow Sport Zürich expands its program with trending sports and wins back many new members.
2021
Resumption of training sessions and events after the pandemic. New digital structures and extended inclusion programs become firmly established.
2020
The club is renamed Rainbow Sport Zürich – a commitment to diversity, openness, and inclusion. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic severely restricts sports activities. Trainings take place online, with digital apéros strengthening community spirit.
2019
A vibrant club life with international partnerships. Anniversary celebrations for 20 years of EuroGames Zurich 2000.
2018
Participation in the Gay Games in Paris with a large delegation and medal wins. The wrestling group celebrates its 10th anniversary.
2017
Hosting of own tournaments in Zurich (badminton, volleyball). Membership growth, especially in swimming and wrestling.
2016
New sports such as yoga and dance gain popularity. Participation in international tournaments. First discussions on the club’s future direction.
2015
The club celebrates its 25th anniversary with a big program: training camp, badminton tournament, lake crossing, Rainbow Open, and club festival. Membership with Swiss Swimming.
2014
EuroGames in Antwerp. Sporting successes, club festivals, and hikes. The final print issue of Connection magazine is published.
2013
International tournaments in Paris, Amsterdam, and Munich. Club life grows, new impulses arise.
2012
EuroGames in Budapest: a small delegation, but many medals. Club festival with a British theme.
2011
Participation in the Gay Games in Ohio: many medals in wrestling. Club festivals and hikes enrich the community.
2010
EuroGames in Cologne: GSZ wrestlers win gold. 20 years of Zurich Pride celebrated with a strong club presence.
2009
New GSZ website goes online. Aerobics makes a mark at Pride. Badminton tournament with 90 participants.
2008
Don Nguyen hands over the presidency to Cristian Rentsch. EuroGames in Barcelona with many successes.
2007
Withdrawal from SGLS. EuroGames in Antwerp: GSZ women’s footballers win gold. A new women’s apéro is launched.
2006
Participation in the Outgames in Montreal with medals in triathlon, inline racing, and swimming.
2005
Training camp in Filzbach becomes a tradition. EuroGames in Munich with successes in swimming, tennis, and aerobics.
2004
EuroGames in Copenhagen bring gold in volleyball and many swimming medals. Tennis booms with several international tournaments.
2003
EuroPride in Zurich: GSZ is strongly represented. Wrestling and dancing added to the sports program. Club festival with the motto “Black & White.”
2002
Unforgettable Gay Games in Sydney with a flood of swimming medals. Volleyball and badminton teams successful in Prague and Paris.
2001
New logo introduced. Don Nguyen later takes over club leadership.
2000
Andi M. becomes president. The EuroGames in Zurich mark a sporting and organizational milestone. Connection magazine is published in full color for the first time.
1999
Membership grows to over 280. Participation at CSD with own parade float, aerobics show highly popular. Third lake crossing held in beautiful weather.
1998
Gay Games in Amsterdam: gold in badminton, victories in tennis and marathon. Zurich is confirmed as host city for EuroGames 2000.
1997
Peter Püntener becomes president. Zurich successfully applies to host the EuroGames 2000. Football added to the sports program.
1996
EuroGames in Berlin bring numerous medals. Founding of the Swiss umbrella organization SGLS. First Zurich lake crossing, organized by Cristian Rentsch.
1995
GSZ celebrates its 5th anniversary with a major tournament (volleyball, badminton, squash, swimming, running). Successes at the SOLA relay and EuroGames in Frankfurt.
1994
Nearly 200 members at the start of the year. Participation in the Gay Games in New York: medals in badminton and swimming. Partnership begins with the Frankfurt volleyball club.
1993
Ueli O. becomes president. The women’s group is founded, aerobics added. Squash, badminton, and swimming included. Cristian R. wins 3 gold and 2 silver medals at the EuroGames in The Hague.
1992
GSZ women take 2nd place at the lesbian tournament in Hamburg. Men’s team wins bronze in Paris. The club joins the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF).
1991
The program expands: fitness training, swimming, cycling, and running are added. Volleyball teams achieve first successes in Amsterdam and Zurich.
1990
The club is founded on May 8, with volleyball as the only sport. In the same year, GSZ participates in the Gay Games in Vancouver.