Albertan LGBT athletes take note: the 2014 edition of the Gay Games, one of the biggest sports and cultural festivals in the world, is coming to the Northern United States.  The Games will take place in Cleveland and Akron Ohio from August 9th to 16th of 2014.  More than 11,000 participants are expected to compete and celebrate in world-class sports, events and parties.

It may not be NYC or Chicago, but that is the appeal.  Those attending the games will be treated to outstanding Ohio cuisine, friendly faces and excellent sporting venues, all hand-picked by the Cleveland Foundation.  This event will cater to patrons from around the globe, and is an ideal place to interact and network with others in the LGBT community and create new bonds that will last a lifetime.

Kimberly Hadley, Co-President and North American Referee Director of the International Gay & Lesbian Football (Soccer) Association encourages Albertan’s to participate in the fun and take advantage of the North American venue. This will be the last Gay Games in North American until at least 2022 (the 2018 Games have already been set for Paris, France!), shares Kimberly. A special discount code has been set up for Team Calgary registration.

Brilliant illustrator Jamey Christoph has already created the design of the medals to be awarded at the Games. His depiction combines memorable attributes of both Cleveland and Akron, and pays homage to the Games. The Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation has made a $100,000 commitment to help make the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation a great success for Summit County.

The Gay Games are about participation, inclusion and striving to reach our personal best. As such, they are open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender, political and religious beliefs, nationality, physical condition or athletic ability.  Even if patrons don’t want to participate, there is plenty fun to be had from the sidelines cheering on friends and fellow community members.

The Gay Games send a bold message of equality and personal empowerment for members of the LGBT community: be proud of who you are, and show the world your absolute best.

Represent Alberta with Pride! On your mark...get set for the 2014 Gay Games!