Edmonton in the running to host the 2030 Gay Games – Edmonton

Edmonton is establishing itself as a host for major sporting events, including recent FIFA matches and WNBA basketball games.

Looking towards 2030, Edmonton has put forward a bid to host the 2030 Gay Games, aiming to showcase the city as a diverse and inclusive destination.

Dr. Kristopher Wells, Canada Research Chair for the public understanding of sexual and gender minority youth, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the games on Edmonton’s reputation.

The Gay Games are not just about competition but also about celebrating inclusion in sports and encouraging participation in recreational athletic activities for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

While attention is currently on Paris 2024, many in Edmonton are eagerly anticipating the possibility of hosting the Gay Games in 2030.

Similar to the Olympics, the Gay Games attract thousands of athletes from around the world who compete in various sports over a 10-day period.

Edmonton is one of 10 cities in the running for the 2030 event, competing against well-known destinations like Adelaide, Auckland, and Vancouver.

Team Edmonton, a group supporting LGBTQ2 sports and recreation, played a key role in collaborating with the city to assemble the bid package for the Gay Games.

If Edmonton wins the bid, it stands to benefit economically from hosting the games, with potential revenues reaching tens of millions of dollars.

Hosting the Gay Games would leverage Edmonton’s world-class facilities, with plans to utilize numerous city venues for the events.

The bid committee estimates that Edmonton could offer 13,000 guest rooms and has already secured partnerships with 51 local hotels to accommodate visitors.

Coun. Andrew Knack highlights the economic opportunities associated with hosting major events like the Gay Games, emphasizing the positive impact on local businesses and tourism.

The formal bid submission took place on Aug. 1, with the next steps involving a presentation of the bid in Washington, D.C. in October and the announcement of a shortlist of three cities in December.

Dr. Wells emphasizes that hosting the Gay Games is not just for the LGBTQ2 community but also a chance to showcase pride and celebration on a broader scale.

Prior to the Gay Games, Edmonton will host the Canadian Pride Curling Championship in April, attracting LGBTQ2 teams from across the country.

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