Support La Cotorra on Patreon
Access exclusive content, special perks, and closer connection with us.
Gay Games XII Open in Valencia with 10,000 Athletes from 81 Countries
On June 27, Gay Games XII — the world's largest inclusive sports games — officially opened at the Ciutat de València stadium. For the first time in the competition's history, Spain is hosting it, and for a week Valencia has become the meeting place for more than 10,000 participants from 81 countries.
La Cotorra attended the Gay Games opening ceremony and shares what impressed us most.
The ceremony began with the traditional parade of national delegations. The signs bearing the countries' names were carried out by Valencian falleras in traditional costumes — a symbolic gesture that united local traditions and an international celebration of sport.
The contrast between the delegations was especially noticeable: alongside the numerous teams from the US, the UK, Germany, and Spain, countries represented by just one or two athletes took to the field. Among the participants was a delegation from Ukraine, too.
The spectators applauded both groups equally loudly — at the Games, what matters is the very fact that a person was able to come and become part of this event.
During the opening ceremony, athletes and cultural figures honored those who died in the earthquake in Venezuela with a minute of silence.
After the official speeches, the stadium quickly stopped resembling a venue for a formal ceremony. The music grew louder, people began dancing right in the stands, and between the rows athletes greeted one another again and again. It seemed that many of the participants had known each other for a long time. In the end, the opening looked more like a gathering of a large international community.
After the official part, Spanish artists took the stage — and so began the eight-day program of competitions and cultural events.
Despite the name, the Gay Games are not a competition only for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Games are open to all adults regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, sporting experience, or level of preparation. Among the participants are both professional athletes and amateurs, people with disabilities, and those deciding to try their hand at competition for the first time. The main idea of the Gay Games is to make sport accessible to everyone and to bring people together around the principles of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities.
