Liverpool 'remains optimistic' to host landmark sporting event
LCR Pride Foundation has said its “ambitions are not dampened” after the city region lost the chance to host the 2030 Gay Games XIII. The sporting and cultural event is an opportunity to invite over 10,000 LGBTQIA+ participants and allies to one’s region.
Built upon the principles of participation, inclusion, and personal best since 1982, the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) promotes equality for all. The ECHO previously reported how the FGG announced the results of the first phase of bidding for the 2030 event with the city, alongside 24 others across six continents, expressing an interest in being the host.
At the time, Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, said the charity has always aspired to host the Gay Games. He said: "Five years later, it is great to see our city region listed on the long list for the 2030 Games, and we are delighted to be among such a good company.
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“Our commitment to making Liverpool City Region the most LGBT+ friendly region in the UK has gone from strength to strength in the past five years, combined with the region's rich sporting history and renowned reputation worldwide, makes the city region a fitting host.”
However, Liverpool and London, the only two UK cities to initially make the shortlist, are no longer in the running. The final three sites are Auckland, Denver, and Perth.
Andi said: “Although we are disappointed to miss out on the 2030 Gay Games, our ambitions are not dampened, and we remain optimistic that should the opportunity arise again, Liverpool City Region would make a fitting host. We will continue to work with partners to ensure that when the time comes, Liverpool City Region will become the first in the UK to host the landmark event."
The Gay Games, conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, was first held in San Francisco. Similar to the Olympics, the event happens every four years, with the next being held in Valencia in 2026.
The week-long event represents a cultural and economic opportunity that significantly impacts a region. Recent studies have reported that Paris's total economic impact in 2018 was just shy of 100 million, and Cleveland/Akron's in 2014 was just over 40 million.
Austin Manning, officer of site selection, said: “This record-breaking interest in hosting the 2030 Gay Games showcases a truly global sports and culture movement, with regions around the world taking the first step in bidding to host the Gay Games quadrennial event.
“As regions and countries around the world continue to take legislative and social action to protect human rights and create pathways to equality for all, the 2030 long list includes 25 cities committed to empowering, uplifting, and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community at home and abroad.”