London is bidding to host the tenth Gay Games in 2018. The London 2018 organisers spent a week meeting with officials in Cologne collecting information and have come back "very encouraged".

Jonathan Harbourne, founder of the London Raiders softball teams and member of the LGBT Sports Network, is coordinating the bid.

Mr Harbourne said:
“Cologne was so inspiring, they put on an amazing Games. Many Brits came home with medals and the LGBT Sports Network is looking forward to putting on a party to welcome home all the athletes. We’ve come back fired-up to bring the Games to London – taking it to the next level. London is in such a strong position to host the games in 2018.

"The 2012 Olympics will provide the best facilities in the world, as well as generating compelling media coverage to capture the imagination of LGBT people from around the world. Britain has a proud history of inventing international sports, hosting world sporting events, the home to dozens of LGBT sports clubs in every discipline. We are also a shining example of a country with excellent protection and equality in law for LGBT people. This is going to be great for LGBT people, great for sport, and great for London.

"The Gay Games is the largest sporting and cultural event in the world – it’s bigger than the Olympics. Its size and popularity is due to the founding principles of inclusion, participation and personal best. The event is open to everyone – any adult can participate, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, health status or ability.

"The real secret of its success is that it provides such an exhilarating experience that people want to participate again and again, bringing their friends and family. For many people, the Gay Games provides an inclusive and welcoming environment giving them the opportunity for them to participate in sport for the first time."

Hugh Robertson MP, Minister for Sport and the Olympics from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said:
“I would like to state my support to the possibility of the Gay Games coming to London. The Coalition Government is committed to the promotion of sport at all levels, for any gender or sexual orientation – from the Olympics, through to grassroots, community, clubs and local competitions.

“In my role as Minister for Sport and the Olympics, I am the person responsible for Olympic legacy. Providing a sporting legacy from the 2012 Games is my top priority. We are committed to provide a lasting legacy for athletics. It is vital that we use the 2012 Games to get more people involved in sport and to ensure that our elite athletes are receiving the best possible opportunities and we are working closely with our partners to achieve this goal.”

The London 2018 Gay Games Bid organising committee are looking for volunteers to join their team, at all levels, to produce a winning bid. A public meeting is planned for January to bring together all interested parties.

For more information email:
jonathan@london2018.info