Denver selected as a finalist for the 2030 Gay Games - is it the right choice?

On December 5, 2024, the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) announced Denver, USA as one of the three finalists to host the 2030 Gay Games, alongside Auckland, New Zealand and Perth, Australia. This decision marks a significant milestone for Denver, accentuating its potential to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators to the premier LGBTQ+ sporting and cultural event. The Gay Games Denver 2030 Bid Committee, in collaboration with Visit Denver, has been actively preparing a comprehensive proposal that highlights the city’s rich cultural diversity and commitment to inclusivity. Their efforts included the development of a 100-page bid book, detailing plans for various sporting and cultural events that accommodate participants of all identities and athletic abilities. The Mayor of Denver, Mike Johnston, and Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, have shown strong support for this initiative, alongside over 50 additional organizations contributing to the bid's momentum since its inception. They believe that this event can not only celebrate diversity in sports but also promote inclusivity and equity in the larger community. Denver stands out as the only U.S. city in the final running, emphasizing its role as a vibrant destination for such an important event. The upcoming months will involve further development of the bid, including site visits by FGG delegates and additional outreach to garner support. Hosting the Gay Games would be a monumental achievement for Denver, as it would represent the return of the event to the United States for the first time since 2014. Previous games were held in cities like Paris and Hong Kong, and the subsequent games in Valencia, Spain are set for 2026. The Denver Gay Games Bid Committee aims to leverage this opportunity to showcase the Mile High City’s existing infrastructure, natural beauty, and dedication to inclusivity and community engagement. The selection process will culminate in a final vote in the Fall of 2025, where the chosen city will be declared as the host for the Gay Games XIII. Denver is poised to not only attract a global audience but also to foster a spirit of unity and collaboration within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, demonstrating how sports can bring people together regardless of their backgrounds or identities.