The 2014 Gay Games, a sporting event similar to the Olympics with an LGBT twist, is already making history. The games will be held from Aug. 9-16 in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Although this is the ninth games for the quadrennial event, this year’s festivities are groundbreaking in several ways.
It’s the first Games to not only create but also showcase a commercial during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics. The 30-second advertisement aired in select markets, specifically around the Ohio area, and highlighted the excitement and inclusion of the event.
It also marks the first Games to have a presenting sponsor. The Cleveland Foundation, which strives to make the lives of Cleveland area residents better, proudly sponsors the 2014 Gay Games.
Finally, this year is also the first time that two cities have shared hosting duties. Cleveland and Akron, which are about a 45 minute drive apart, are coming together to represent Ohio and host participants from around the world.
“The one thing that makes us stand apart from previous locations is that we know that we are not a major gay tourist destination,” said Matt Cordish, marketing manager of the 2014 Gay Games. “But because of that, both cities have numerous businesses and organizations on board in support of the Games, so no matter where you turn it will be 100 percent gay friendly toward all participants and spectators that attend the Games. We are ready to surprise all visitors that are coming in August.”
The last Gay Games were held in Cologne, Germany in 2010 and the 2018 edition will be in Paris.
Dr. Tom Waddell began planning the first Gay Games in 1980. Waddell, who participated in the decathlon in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, wanted to create a fun and safe environment for athletes to compete in, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or skill.
“The Games hope to accomplish that LGBT athletes are not a hidden and marginalized community within the greater marginalized and beleaguered LGBT community,” said Cordish. “Being gay and being an athlete was an either-or proposition: be a jock or be a queer. The Games changed that through sport.”
After two years of planning, the inaugural Gay Games finally took place in San Francisco in 1982. Through the years, the Games have grown thanks to increased visibility in both the LGBT and straight communities.
Although the Games are open to anyone, about 90 percent of the participants are members of the LGBT community. The remaining 10 percent are often friends, family and supporters of the gay participants.
“The three founding principles of the Games are inclusion, participation and personal best, and are still the principles to this day,” said Cordish.
Unlike the Olympics, which only include the best of the best in each sport, the Gay Games are open to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of skill level. It’s considered an amateur event but professional athletes may join too. Simply put, if you want to participate in one of the more than 35 activities, you can.
There are currently 47 states and 30 countries represented in the 2014 Gay Games, with new participants still registering.
In addition to standard sporting events, like softball and swimming, the Gay Games also includes a couple of cultural events. Choral and band festivals help to bring some art to the otherwise athletic event.
The most popular sports for participants are often team-oriented. Basketball, flag football, ice hockey, softball, soccer, volleyball and water polo top the list.
There are around 20,000 spectators expected to watch the various events throughout the week. The largest crowds are usually for softball, soccer, marathon, dancesport and the Pink Flamingo, which is described as a “drag show in water” by the swim teams.
Although sports are the main focus of the Gay Games, there is so much more to do during the week-long event. Entertainment, ranging from music and dance to art and theater, is scheduled throughout the week
The opening ceremonies will include performances by Lance Bass, The Pointer Sisters and Andrea McArdle.
Dancin’, a fundraiser to support HIV/AIDS services celebrates its 30th anniversary with a 10-hour dance party Sunday, Aug. 10. It kicks off the Games’ Festival Village, which is the central point of socializing for the Games for participants and spectators and will be open through Friday, Aug. 15.
Monday, Aug. 11, legendary performer Boy George will headline the official White Party in downtown Cleveland. Tickets range from $40 to $250 and $1 from each ticket sold will be donated to Northeast Ohio’s LGBT community.
For more information on the sporting or entertainment line-up for the 2014 Gay Games, please visit www.gg9cle.com.
Gay Games at-a-glance
Greater Cleveland
Greater Cleveland is the 15th largest metropolitan area and consumer market in the United States with nearly three million residents. Half of the U.S. population lives within 500 miles (804km), making Greater Cleveland a great destination within a half-day’s drive or hour’s flight of major North American cities, including Chicago, New York and Toronto.
Cultural diversity
The Greater Cleveland region is home to 80 ethnic groups that speak more than 60 languages. The mix of nationalities can be seen throughout the city’s neighborhoods, ethnic restaurants, and more than 300 ethnic organizations and numerous festivals that celebrate and preserve the cultures that make up the community.
Transportation
Travelers to the Games benefit from the diverse Northeast Ohio regional transportation structure, with easy access for personal vehicles, buses, trains and airlines.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), a United Airlines hub, offers 250 daily flight departures to 74 markets.
Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) offers the lowest average fare of any airport in the four-state U.S. region with service aboard AirTran, Southwest, Frontier, United, US Airways and Delta.
Cleveland has an excellent bus and rail mass transit system operated by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. The rail transit system consists of three rail lines and 108 bus routes across four counties, making public transportation a great way to travel to the majority of the Games’ venues.
Accommodation
Special Gay Games rates are available at more than 30 hotels in the region, all within a 40-minute drive of the opening ceremony. These hotels offer the best availability for everyone’s budget and preferences. Lodging reservations are now being accepted online exclusively through the Games Web site.
Venues
From Lake Erie itself to the natatorium at Cleveland State University and the road course of the top-ranked Akron Marathon, Gay Games 9 participants will play in the great sports and culture venues the region has to offer. Athletes and spectators also will have easy access to the centrally located Festival Village.
Sports
Aquatics Diving, Aquatics Open, Water Swim, Aquatics Swimming, Aquatics Synchronized Swimming, Aquatics Water Polo, Aquatics Pink Flamingo, Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Billiards, Bodybuilding, Bowling, Cycling, DanceSport, Darts, Figure Skating, Flag Football, Football (Soccer), Golf, Ice Hockey, Marathon & Road Races, Martial Arts, Powerlifting, Racquetball, Rodeo (NEW!), Rowing, Rugby (Union), Sailing, Softball, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Wrestling.
Culture
Band Festival, Choral Festival, Cheer Demonstrations and Competition, Visual Arts Program
Plus countless exhibitions, films, concerts and other cultural events for participants and spectators.
