Valencia is about to experience one of the most important international events in its recent history. From 27th June to 4th July, the city will serve as the host for the Gay Games XII, an event widely regarded as the largest LGBTIAQ+ sporting and cultural gathering in the world.
More than 10,000 participants from 81 different countries are expected to descend upon the city for the occasion. This marks the very first time that the event, which is staged every four years, has been held in Spain, placing Valencia at the absolute epicentre of international diversity for over a week.
The Gay Games are about far more than just sport. Founded over 40 years ago, the event has a clear objective to promote inclusion, equality and diversity through a mixture of athletic competition and culture. Unlike other global tournaments, anyone can take part regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, age or athletic ability, with the overarching philosophy firmly focused on participation, community spirit and visibility.
Athletes will compete across 39 different sporting disciplines, with events taking place at dozens of facilities spread right across the city. Additionally, the event will embrace the local identity of Valencia by featuring two traditional regional sports, pilota valenciana and colpbol, which will be included as exhibition disciplines.
Beyond the sporting arenas, the city has created a parallel cultural programme that features more than 20 distinct activities. Starting early on 19th June, these cultural events will fill local museums, auditoriums, sports venues and the old Turia riverbed with concerts, art exhibitions, popular fun runs, parades and even firework displays.
For more information check out the official website HERE
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