DAVID CAMERON BACKS LONDON GAY GAMES BID

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his government’s support for the bid to host the 2018 Gay Games in London, reports the Evening Standard.

“The UK is currently bidding for the Gay Games in 2018 in London, which could give us something to cheer on that year, and I wish them every luck,” said Cameron.

The Prime Minister’s efforts to legalise gay marriage in the UK, despite growing opposition among some in his party, is expected to give added weight to his support.

Equalities Minister Helen Grant also promised to help organisers of the event secure some of the venues used for last year’s London Olympic Games.

“My department wholeheartedly backs the bid to bring the 2018 Gay Games to London,” she said.

London is competing with the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Orlando, Amsterdam and Limerick (Ireland) to host the games. The next event will take place in Cleveland, Ohio in 2014.

The Federation of Gay Games, the entity behind the games, has twice held its annual meeting in South Africa; in Johannesburg and, most recently, in Cape Town in 2008.

In 2005, Johannesburg, backed by the City of Johannesburg, submitted a bid to host the Gay Games in 2010 but was narrowly beaten by Cologne in Germany.

In November, Gideon Sam, head of South Africa’s sports administration body, denied slating the Federation of Gay Games and said he was prepared to work with the group in future.

The Gay Games is the largest international LGBT-affirming sports and culture festival in the world. It is open to all and takes place every four years under the founding principles of participation, inclusion, and personal best.