Ninth Gay Games set to begin today in Ohio

The ninth Gay Games begin today (August 9) in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.

Over 8,000 athletes have registered to take part in this year’s Gay Games, which will feature 35 different events including basketball, track and field and dance competitions. Those participating in the event hail from 51 countries around the world.

Some gay media outlets have criticised the organisers’ decision to bring the games to Cleveland and nearby co-host city Akron, arguing that a city known for being more gay-friendly should have been picked instead. Neither Cleveland nor Akron has a strong reputation for offering support to their LGBT residents.

However, David Gilbert of Positively Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission has argued that the Gay Games will have a long-term positive impact on the region’s attitude towards its LGBT community.

“The biggest reason for the region to host the Gay Games is the kind of legacy it can leave for northeast Ohio,” Gilbert told the Associated Press. “The eyes of the LGBT world and LGBT media will be on Cleveland and will give our community a chance to shine.”

Meanwhile, Phyllis Harris, the executive director of the Cleveland LGBT Center, has revealed that she has held “competency training” for the Cleveland Police Department to help them marshal the event and understand homophobia.

“I would ask skeptics to get involved and put their money where their mouth is,” she said.

The Gay Games begin today (August 9) and run through to August 16. The Gay Games have taken place every four years since the first event was held in San Francisco in 1982.

> Mitcham pips Daley to Commonwealth gold in men’s synchro
> Tom Daley wins Commonwealth Gold in 10m platform final