NEWS: GAY GAMES COMMITTEE SUBMIT BID FOR LONDON 2018

by Mild Mannered Man · February 28, 2013

London (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

London 2018 Bid Committee submits London’s bid to host the Gay Games in 2018.

by Newsdesk | 28th February 2013

The London 2018 Committee has today submitted its bid to host the Gay Games in 2018. This follows 18 months of work to define plans, engage LGBT, sports and cultural communities, and secure the support of key stakeholders. If our bid and subsequent fundraising is successful we will look to secure some impressive sports venues across London, and London’s Southbank Centre will play host to an extensive cultural programme taking in visual and performing arts, band, choir and cheer festivals. It promises to be a dazzling show of London’s creative talent.

The Gay Games is the largest sporting and cultural event in the world open to everyone. The Games enables anyone to compete regardless of sexual orientation, age, physical challenge, ability, race, gender, nationality, political or religious beliefs, ethnic origins or HIV status. Participants represent their country, their city, their club, or just themselves.

Against the backdrop of London’s world-class venues, cultural heritage, and thriving LGBT population, the stage is set for the best ever Gay Games to be held.

Alex Davis, Chair of the London 2018 Bid said “Preparing this bid to bring the Gay Games to London in 2018 has been an intense process, but what has been incredibly motivating has been the support, enthusiasm, and excitement that has been shown for this event – not just from London’s sports clubs, not just by every element of our LGBT community, but also by our venue partners, our sports governing bodies, and our community and political leaders at every level.”

Support has been flooding in from grass-roots sports groups such as London’s Out For Sport network to national organisations like the FA.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: ‘I wish the London 2018 Gay Games bid team every success in their ambition to bring this sporting and cultural celebration to our great city. London has a worldwide reputation as a tolerant, vibrant and diverse destination making it an ideal candidate to host this global event.’

London is competing against Amsterdam, Limerick, Orlando and Paris. The FGG will shortlist three cities to undergo site visit inspections before a final vote in September 2013.