Denver Moves Closer to Hosting 2030 Gay Games as Bid Field Reduces to Two
DENVER, COLORADO, USA (May 6, 2025) – The Gay Games Denver 2030 Bid Committee (GGDEN2030) announced this past week that it has submitted its expanded final bid book to host the 2030 Gay Games. This pivotal step marks a significant push to bring the international event – and an anticipated 10,000+ athletes, artists, and spectators – to the Mile High City.
The past week also saw a major development in the bidding process, with the field narrowing to just two finalists: Perth, Australia, and Denver, United States. The other finalist top-three city, Auckland, New Zealand, withdrew its bid according to the Federation of Gay Games (FGG.)
GGDEN2030’s immediate focus now shifts to preparing for the official FGG site inspection this coming July. These visits will provide an opportunity to showcase the existing venues across the Denver Metro Area earmarked to host the proposed 36 sporting events, alongside a complementary slate of cultural activities. Following the site visits, the committee will gear up for in-person finalist presentations at the FGG’s annual General Assembly meeting of international voting members, board members and Honorary Life Members in October, held in Valencia, Spain, the host city for the 2026 Gay Games. The presumptive host for the 2030 Games is expected to be announced at the conclusion of the Assembly meeting.
As one of the final two candidate cities, Denver stands on the cusp of making history as a prominent global voice for inclusion, resilience, and LGBTQIA2S+ visibility. If Denver is selected, the 2030 Games promise to deliver lasting economic, cultural, and human rights benefits, while inspiring a new generation of athletes and advocates. The Denver 2030 bid has already garnered substantial local and national support from numerous politicians, community leaders, organizations, and businesses.
Those who want to join the movement can learn more by visiting GGDEN2030’s “Support” page here, and use the information below to stay in the know about community events in the works as we work to bring the world “Together, Out, West” in 2030.
GGDEN2030 CALLS TO ACTION:
- Join the movement by donating to their GoFundMe Page
- Follow social media Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.
- Visit www.ggden2030.com to sign-up for updates & more
- Email info@ggden2030.com
- Letters of support from LGBTQIA2S+ and ally personalities, politicians, businesses, media, sport and cultural organizations
- Fundraising inquiries for corporate sponsorships, foundations, individual giving
- Professional and volunteer support
To learn more about and register for the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia, Spain, visit the Valencia Games website.
ABOUT THE GAY GAMES
The Gay Games is an international sporting and cultural event held every four years under the principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™. A participant doesn’t have to be LGBTQIA2S+ to participate as the Gay Games is open to all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, athletic or artistic ability, age, physical challenge, or health status. The Federation of Gay Games mission promotes equity, diversity and inclusion through sport and culture. The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in 1982. Subsequent Gay Games were held in San Francisco (1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Amsterdam (1998), Sydney (2002), Chicago (2006), Cologne (2010), Cleveland+Akron (2014), Paris (2018), Hong Kong and Guadalajara (2023), and Gay Games XII will take place in Valencia in 2026.
ABOUT THE GAY GAMES DENVER 2030 BID COMMITTEE (GGDEN2030):
The GGDEN2030 Bid Committee is a dedicated volunteer group of community leaders, organizers, and advocates working to bring the 2030 Gay Games to Denver, Colorado. The committee is committed to showcasing Denver’s inclusive spirit and its capacity to host a world-class event that celebrates diversity and promotes human rights.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Lance Husak and Lisa Seib, Gay Games Denver 2030 Bid Committee Co-Chairs info@ggden2030.com
Matthew Bendure, Gay Games Denver 2030 Bid Committee Communications Director
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