The International Gay Games Comes to Cleveland

Thirty-two years ago the first International Gay Games was held in San Francisco and every 4 years since has been held in cities in the US, Germany, Australia, Canada and The Netherlands. We are excited that this year, August 9 - 16, the games will be held in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio and expectations are that 9,000 athletes will participate and close to 20,000 guests, spectators, performers and volunteers will flock into the city and surrounding areas. Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast will welcome all participants and guests so come early, stay late, enjoy the games while you also enjoy a taste of history and the modern amenities at the B & B just 15 miles west of Cleveland right off of  I480/US Rt. 20.

The kick off ceremony to open the Gay Games will begin on Saturday, August 9 from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M. at Quicken Loans Arena as the participants march in according to geographic locations. And just like the Olympic games there will be entertainment with spectacular production numbers, dancers, music, speeches, and the raising of the Rainbow Flag. The closing ceremony will take place on Saturday August 16 on Mall C across from the Cleveland Convention Center.

And now the Games begin! There will be competition in:
basketball, bowling, power lifting, open lake swimming, pool swimming, rowing, triathlon, tennis, volleyball, rodeo, golf, diving, cheering, 10K & 5K road race, billiards, darts, ice hockey, martial arts, rock climbing, racket ball, road racing, sailing, softball, track and field, wrestling, body building, dance, cycling, water polo, beach volleyball, ice skating, sailing, squash, flag football, soccer, table tennis, and synchronized swim. Wow! Hope I didn't miss one!

There will be lots of entertainment in the way of comedy, theater, conferences, dancing, great food, tours to local attractions and museums, cruises, and much, much more. The Festival Village will be the hub of the games where participants, family, guests, and the public can gather to meet and greet and have fun times!

So we welcome all to come to our great Cleveland area. You may come as a stranger but you will leave as a friend! We are all one human family so we will "take the flame and pass it on."
Take the Flame (3’17”) By Henry Krieger, Bill Russell, Lyricist