London bids to host the 2018
Gay Games/OutGames
We probably don’t need to tell you that London is hosting the Olympic Games in 2012 – and is building a state-of-the-art Olympic sports park. We probably don’t need to tell you that London is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities packed full of bars, clubs, groups and facilities for gay and lesbian people. We probably don’t need to remind you that the United Kingdom is the birth place of a range of major international sports including: Association football, rugby (league and union), cricket, golf, tennis, badminton, squash, rounders, hockey, boxing, snooker, billiards and curling. Furthermore we have the proudest record of equality in British politics.
Against this background, with the support of over two dozen LGBT sports clubs, a dozen LGBT organisations and the backing of gay, lesbian and straight sporting celebrities, politicians and press, London announces its bid to host the 2018 Gay Games/OutGames.
Our focus will be on diversity and inclusion – for everyone, as well as sustainability. Our aim is to support charities and LGBT sports clubs, new and established, and to provide inspiration and motivation for people to have fun getting into sport, whatever their age or ability.
The Gay Games is the largest sporting event in the world – it’s bigger than the Olympics. Its size and popularity is due to the founding principle of ‘inclusion’ – it’s open to everyone. Any adult can participate, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, health status or ability. The real secret of its success is that it provides such an exhilarating experience that people want to participate again and again, bringing their friends and family. For many people, the Gay Games provides an inclusive and welcoming environment giving them the opportunity to participate in sport for the first time.
The Gay Games founding principles are participation, inclusion and personal best. In 2018 it is aimed that the Gay Games and the Out Games will join together to become a new ‘One World’ quadrennial event.
London’s unique heritage, history and culture will also provide an inspirational space for our cultural programme: art, music, film & theatre, as well as education and culture.
“The UK is currently bidding for two international LGBT sporting events, the 2015 EuroGames in Manchester and the Gay Games in 2018 in London (which could give us something to cheer on that year, given we lost the World Cup bid) and those leading both bids were also there [at Number Ten] and I wish them every luck.”
Prime Minister, David Cameron
from exclusive story in Pink News
Great for equality, great for sport and great for London!
Be part of it: back the bid – London2018. |
