ORGANISERS of the 12th Gay Games are finalising their preparations to greet over 10,200 participants from over 80 countries to Valencia.
It’s the biggest international event that reflects gay sport, culture, and diversity.
The week-long games get underway on Saturday and run until July 4.
The Accreditation Centre (CAU) at the La Petxina Sports and Cultural Complex will open on Tuesday.
It allows participants to collect official accreditations and a special ‘welcome’ bag, as well as a chance to answer any queries.
The centre will be open during the first few days of the games to serve staggered arrivals of participants and volunteers.
The event will officially start on Saturday June 27 with the opening ceremony at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia.
Valencia City Council says the ceremony will feature the traditional parade of international delegations and the entry of the flag of the Federation of Gay Games.
The gala will be presented by Choriza May and will feature performances by Monica Naranjo, Soraya Arnelas, Fruela, Mia Collado, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC and the Cor a Cor de Valencia.
From Sunday, the sports get underway in dozens of facilities around the city and its districts.
Some 37 sports will be represented, along with two exhibition events.
Valencia will also will host concerts, choral and band performances, and exhibitions.
Some of the highlights will be the ‘Valencia Queer’ exhibition, the Pride in Motion film festival, and the Valencia Queer Fashion Show.
Over 740 international volunteers will assist at all of the sports and cultural venues across the city.
The closing ceremony will be held on July 4th at the Font de San Lluis pavilion.
The event will be hosted by She-La Fletcher and feature music from Rebeca, Nebulossa, and Suri DJ, and will also see the ceremonial passing of the Gay Games torch to Perth in Australia who will be the 2030 hosts.
Click here to read more Valencia News from The Olive Press.
