CAPE TOWN A STRONG CONTENDER AT GAY GAMES 2030 BID
As the world eagerly anticipates the announcement of the host city for the 2030 Gay Games, Cape Town stands proudly as a vibrant contender, ready to showcase its rich cultural diversity and welcoming spirit.
The Gay Games is the world’s largest LGBTQIA+ sports and culture event, hosted once every four years in a different location around the world.
The event welcomes over 10,000 participants from across the globe, who compete in more than 30 sporting events over 10 days.
In addition, there is a vibrant cultural programme featuring theatre, choral and music performances, art exhibitions, remembrance ceremonies, and much more.
A delegation of Capetonians travelled to Washington DC during October to present the Mother City’s bid to host the 13th Gay Games in 2030, where they received a standing ovation from delegates of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG).
Cape Town is currently one of seven cities – and the only one on the African continent – in the running to host the 2030 Gay Games.
AFRICA’S EVENTS CAPITAL
Voted as World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination for three years, Cape Town’s reputation of hosting some of the most prestigious events, from business, sports, and community events to cultural spectacles and film festivals, makes it the ultimate host city.
Cape Town’s bid is particularly significant as it is the only African city in the running to host this esteemed event.
If successful, Cape Town would make history by becoming the first African city to host the Gay Games, highlighting the continent’s commitment to diversity and equality.
“While the Mother City is world-renowned among the global LGBTQIA+ community as the Gay Capital of Africa, we also see this bid to host the Gay Games as a platform to start conversations and reshape the narrative around what it means to be queer in Africa. We want to do more than just host a 10-day event with a 10-day impact; the Gay Games will be just the start of our mission to promote acceptance and leave a legacy of lasting change in Cape Town, South Africa and Africa.” says David Ryan, Co-chair of the Games Cape Town 2030 Bid Committee.
The top 10 candidate cities were required to submit a formal bid in August. Since then, Cape Town has progressed to one of the top seven cities in contention. The other cities bidding to host the Gay Games in 2030 are Denver (USA), Auckland (New Zealand), Edmonton (Canada), Melbourne (Australia), Perth (Australia) and Taipei (Taiwan).
With its rich cultural diversity and iconic charm, the vibrant Mother City is ready to welcome the world with open arms.
The shortlisted cities are expected to be announced in December, and the announcement of the 2030 host city will be made late 2025.
For more information, visit capetown2030.com
