Denver among list of potential cities to host ‘Gay Games’
DENVER (KDVR) — The Federation of Gay Games announced its list of potential cities to host the Gay Games XIIl in 2030 – and Denver is one of 25 cities bidding for the spot.
The event hosts over 10,000 LGBTQIA+ participants who compete in over 30 sporting events. The games welcome any adults — all genders, gay or straight, novice or elite, beginner athletes or Olympic medalists, according to the website.
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Several Colorado government officials, like Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, are in support of the event taking place in Denver.
“Colorado is a state where athletes can thrive no matter who they love or how they identify. Colorado is the best state for athletic training and events, and we welcome athletes of all backgrounds. I hope to welcome the Gay Games to Colorado in 2030, and maybe I’ll even try out for the baseball team,” said Polis.
The Gay Games isn’t a new event. It started in 1982 and has been held across the U.S. and on many continents.
Last year’s Gay Games took place in Hong Kong and Guadalajara. The next Gay Games XII will take place in Valencia in 2026. But when it comes to the 2030 games, the main candidates won’t be announced for a while.
Each city looking to host the event will submit a formal bid and present it to the Gay Games in October 2024. So far, Denver started a website that outlines its vision and provides a way to join and support the games taking place in the Mile High City.
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The top contending cities won’t be announced until the end of the year, and the final destination won’t be decided until November 2025.
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