The Gay Games have a rich history — and Northeast Ohio is poised to become part of that history! We are about to join a pantheon of cities that include San Francisco, Vancouver, Sydney, New York City, Amsterdam, Chicago and Cologne.
The Gay Games were conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and were first held in San Francisco in 1982. Today, it is the world’s largest specifically gay sporting and cultural event. Built upon the principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best, the Gay Games have empowered thousands of LGBT athletes and artists with its mission is to break down stereotypes, reduce bigotry, and create positive images in the LGBT community.
In August 2014, Cleveland and Akron will host the Gay Games 9 when over 13,000 athletes from around the globe are expected to compete for the Gold. The Gay Games will last 8 days and will feature 30+ sports and cultural events, and an Opening and Closing Ceremony, along with many community events, in Cleveland and Akron.
The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) chose Northeast Ohio with the idea that holding the games in the heartland of America would help change people’s perceptions through sports, culture and fellowship. Kurt Dahl (Chicago) and Emy Ritt (Paris), the FGG Co-Presidents, “were impressed by the facilities and infrastructure, the widespread community support, the city’s financial plan and experience in hosting large-scale sports and cultural events.”
Hosting the GG9 in Cleveland and Akron will have a major economic impact, and create significant ongoing travel and tourism visibility for our region. “We are so proud to host the Games in 2014, it will give our cities a chance to shine in the international spotlight and show the world that Northeast Ohio has a vibrant LGBT community.” says Hollie Ksiezyk, who co-chairs the GG9 Executive Committee, along with Steve Sokany.
Thousands of local volunteers will be on hand to help make these the best Gay Games ever and you can be a part of the excitement HERE! Join local GG9 volunteers when they will be out in force to support Cleveland Pride 2012. GG9 volunteers will be seen walking along the Pride Parade route. “GG9 is so proud to support Cleveland Pride. Being a Silver Sponsor, gives our volunteers the unique experience of greeting all of the festival attendees as they walk through the main gates and enjoy a cool beverage in the beer garden” states Michelle De Lozier, GG9 Co-Chair of Culture. “Stop by the GG9 Pride booth to learn more about the Gay Games 9, and get your picture taken while you are there. It’s a wonderful way to remember a day that will bring UNITY within our COMMUNITY.”
EXCITING NEWS: Early general registration is now open! Registering now HERE for the 2014 Gay Games, will give you the chance to compete in over 33 sports, and be a part of all of the many amazing cultural events as well. The registration for specific sports/events will be coming over the next few weeks, once that information is released, please re-visit our website www.gg9cle.com and complete your full registration.
Please show your support by volunteering to be a part of the biggest event Northeast Ohio has ever seen. With your help, the Gay Games will bring the world to Northeast Ohio! Get involved HERE, and GG9 will take you places you have only dreamed of!
Participation, Inclusion, & Personal Best – REGISTER NOW @ www.gg9.com
Like us on Facebook facebook.com/gaygamescleveland
Follow us on Twitter: @GG9Cleveland
Email: info@2014gaygamescleveland.org
No comments:
Post a Comment