Denver’s Bid to Host Gay Games 2030: A Cultural and Sporting Extravaganza

Denver’s Bold Bid for Gay Games 2030: A Sonic and Sporting Spectacle Awaits

DENVER, June 18, 2024 – Denver’s bid to host the Gay Games in 2030 promises to be a week-long celebration brimming with athletic prowess and cultural richness that underscores the city’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. With hefty support from both state and city officials, local organisations are rallying behind the initiative, conjuring up a vivid picture of what could be a landmark event for the city and its LGBTQ+ community.

Denver’s proposal is ambitious and thoughtfully crafted, aiming to blend its unique cultural offerings with top-notch sporting activities. If selected, Denver would become the sole U.S. city in contention, sharing the spotlight with nine other global cities vying to host the prestigious event.

The Gay Games, which occur every four years, anticipate drawing over 12,000 participants from more than 100 countries, bringing a substantial boost to the local economy. A projected economic impact of over $110 million could rejuvenate Denver’s metropolitan areas, benefiting local businesses and providing a platform for the Denver LGBTQ+ community to shine on a global stage.

Governor Jared Polis and Mayor Mike Johnston are among the high-profile figures endorsing Denver’s bid. This wave of support continues to swell, with numerous other politicians, sports leagues, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups stepping up to offer their endorsement. Visit Denver, the city’s premier tourist board, has also jumped on board, promising to treat visitors to a diverse range of locally crafted food, drink, and entertainment.

The cultural events slated for the week-long Gay Games seek to showcase the eclectic spirit of Denver. The programme features a themed visual art collection, music events that will span genres from soulful folk to pulsating EDM, and a gala concert bringing together choirs, bands, orchestras, and cheerleading squads. Not to be overshadowed, Denver’s vibrant drag scene will be front and centre, with performances from some of the city’s top drag queens and kings, ensuring a night—or several—of unforgettable entertainment.

Sporting events are the backbone of the Gay Games, and Denver’s proposal does not disappoint. The city plans to leverage its world-class facilities and stunning outdoor venues to host an array of team and individual sports. Highlight events include aquatics in a newly established local diving facility and bodybuilding competitions set against the backdrop of Denver’s expansive convention centre. The thrill of high-stakes sports like cheerleading, dancesport, and figure skating will be paired with crowd-pleasing exhibitions, all open to the public, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The proximity of Denver to the Rocky Mountains adds an exceptional dimension to the Games, with planned tournaments for sport climbing and mountain biking. Local parks will serve as picturesque venues for triathlons, distance running events, and track and field competitions, melding Denver’s urban and natural landscapes into a cohesive celebration of sport and community.

This bid is more than a sporting event; it aims to fuse athletic and cultural experiences, encapsulating the Federation of Gay Games’ core principles of “Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™.” Denver’s Gay Games 2030 bid committee, united with numerous local LGBTQ+ groups, hopes to set a new benchmark for future Games, fostering collaboration that leaves a lasting legacy of inclusivity and pride within the local community.

The impact of winning the bid promises to extend far beyond the economic sphere, offering a significant opportunity for the Denver LGBTQ+ community to showcase its resilience, diversity, and vibrancy. The potential to host the Gay Games in 2030 is a call to the community to unite and create an event that is memorable, inclusive, and transformative.

As the excitement builds, Denver’s LGBTQ+ community and allies are encouraged to get involved, whether through sharing their support on social media, volunteering, or participating in fundraising efforts. The message is clear: Denver is ready to welcome the world with open arms, ready to show what it means to truly embrace the spirit of the Gay Games.

For updates and to support the cause, visit the GGDen2030 website and follow their social media channels. With a collective effort, Denver could become a beacon of inclusivity, diversity, and athletic excellence on the global stage.