Cleveland, Ohio, chosen to host Gay Games 2014
The Ohio city of Cleveland has been picked to host the 2014 Gay Games, beating Boston and Washington DC.
Organisers say the sporting and cultural event, held every four years, attracts as many as 12,000 athletes and generates tens of millions of dollars in spending.
The announcement was made in Cologne, Germany, which hosted the 2010 games.
All bidding cities had undergone a year-long selection process before the three finalists gave presentations in front of judges last week.
In a statement, Federation of Gay Games co-presidents Kurt Dahl and Emy Ritt said: “Cleveland demonstrated to the Federation of Gay Games that they understood the mission of the Gay Games and our principles of participation, inclusion, and personal best.
“We were highly impressed by the facilities and infrastructure, the widespread community support, their financial plan and the city’s experience in hosting large scale sports and cultural events.”
Cleveland mayor Frank G Jackson commented: “The city of Cleveland is prepared to roll out the welcome mat to the LGBT athletes, their families and spectators from around the world.
“Fans of the Gay Games will find that Cleveland is a great place to celebrate sports and culture and that we have tremendous assets and amenities for them to enjoy. The sports and cultural environment here is truly a uniquely Cleveland experience, one they will cherish for years to come.”
The games will take place between August 8th-14th, 2014.
