By Mark Baber
July 16 – The English Football Association has announced its backing for London’s bid to host the 2018 Gay Games. A team from the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) is currently carrying out an inspection of London’s facilities,
Following on from the successful hosting of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, London has been shortlisted alongside Paris and Limerick as potential hosts for the 2018 edition of the Gay Games – billed as the largest sporting and cultural event in the world, welcoming everyone regardless of sexuality, age, race or ability making it the most socially inclusive event worldwide.
Alex Horne, general secretary of The FA, said: “On behalf of The FA, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the visiting FGG delegation and wish the London bid team the very best of luck in securing this fantastic event for London.”
Alex Davis, chair of the London 2018 bid, said: “We’re delighted to have The FA’s support for the London bid. As our national sport, this backing sends out a strong message that homophobia and transphobia are unacceptable not only in football, but in all sports.”
London’s bid has the active support of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson, London’s Mayor Boris Johnson and John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons.
Sponsors of the London bid include leading international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, EY (previously Ernst and Young) the global leader in assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services, Matter, and Edelman the world’s largest public relations firm.
London is home to Stonewall FC, who won gold medals at the Gay Games in Sydney 2002, Chicago 2006 and Cologne 2010 and who play in the FA Middlesex County League, Division One (Central & East) which is at level 12 of the FA football pyramid.
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