The City of Cleveland will host the
2014 Gay Games, officials announced Tuesday at a press conference in
Cologne, Germany.
“In 2014, we will be going to
Cleveland,” spokesman Dick Uvaryi announced.
Three cities competed for the
opportunity to host the Olympic-style sporting event estimated to be
worth $60 million in economic impact: Boston, Cleveland and
Washington D.C.
Site selection officials toured all
three cities during the summer and each city gave its final pitch in
Cologne over the weekend.
Cleveland's bid to win the Gay Games
revolved around the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The Rock
Hall officially backed the bid and threw a large party for officials
when they arrived in the city. The bid's theme, My Games Rock!, also
borrows from Cleveland's steeped history in Rock and Roll.
“This for Cleveland is not just
winning a bid, it's transformational,” Valarie McCall, chief of
government affairs for Mayor Frank Jackson's office, said.
“We are extremely honored and pleased
that Cleveland has been selected to host the 2014 Gay Games,” said
W. Doug Anderson, spokesperson for Cleveland Synergy Foundation, the
bidding organization, in a statement. “It is truly a privilege to
continue Dr. Tom Waddell's legacy and vision in our city – an
extremely enthusiastic sports town – where the guiding principles
of personal best, inclusion and participation are held dear.”
Cleveland's 2014 Gay Games IX Sports &
Cultural Festival will take place August 9 – 16, 2014 and feature
30 sporting events, including a gay rodeo.