Updated sports line-up unveiled for 11th Gay Games in 2023
An all-new line-up of 23 sports has today been announced for the 11th Gay Games in Hong Kong in 2023 under the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’.
Gay Games Hong Kong (GGHK) is a global multisport, arts and culture event founded in 1982 that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Co-hosted with Guadalajara, Mexico, the 11th Gay Games will be the first in both Asia and Latin America, as well the first time to be hosted in two cities simultaneously. Open to all and not just for LGBTQ+ communities, the Games welcome everyone to participate regardless of ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and athletic ability.
To be held from 3rd to-11th November 2023 in both cities, the Games will be one of the largest sports, arts & culture events of next year, bringing the global community together through the power of sports. In addition to 23 sports, GGHK will feature Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Festival Village, Arts & Culture events with daily performances, Gala Concert, young artist exhibitions, and a variety of events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Gay Games.
With the expected relaxation of social distancing rules, GGHK will organise a series of promotional events beginning June 2022 in Hong Kong and around the world, including pop-ups at major European and Asian sports and community events. With events expected to welcome 2,000 participants per month on average over the next 19 months, as well as 7,000 participants and 25,000 visitors during November 2023, the Hong Kong-hosted Games are expected to bring 70,000 individuals together to celebrate this global experience.
Two new sports have been added for Hong Kong: Mah Jong, and Field Hockey.
The new line-up includes:
- Badminton
- Dodgeball
- Dragon Boat Racing
- Field Hockey
- Fencing
- Football (Soccer)
- Marathon: Full
- Marathon: Half
- Road Races: 5 km
- Road Races: 10 km
- Mah Jong
- Martial Arts
- Rowing
- Rugby Sevens
- Sailing
- Squash
- Open Water Swimming
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Trail Running: Short
- Trail Running: Long
Several partners and organisations have already confirmed their support for Gay Games Hong Kong, which includes Hong Kong Rugby Union for Rugby Sevens, Victoria Recreation Club at Hong Kong’s Deep Water Bay for Open Water Swimming, and Diversity Games for Fencing, Badminton and Table Tennis. More venue and event partners will be announced in the months to come.
Lisa Lam, co-chair of GGHK notes “after months of preparation and feasibility studies, we are incredibly thrilled to unveil this new line-up, especially the addition of Mah Jong as an homage to the cultural heritage of host city Hong Kong. We are excited to bring a world-class international sporting competition with 40 years of history to Asia for the first time. GGHK aims to promote unity and inclusion, to help Hong Kong live up to its potential as a world-class city.
Nigel Lee, acting co-chair of GGHK added “as we all emerge from Covid restrictions, our re-energised team at GGHK is fully focused on the delivery of our sports, art and cultural events. In collaboration with our co-host city Guadalajara and the FGG, Gay Games 11 really will be the broadest and most inclusive Gay Games event ever.”
Related Articles
26th March 2021 - Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 announces Marriott Bonvoy and YouTube as Platinum Sponsors
14th December 2020 - 2022 Hong Kong Gay Games organisers expect 90,000 attendees
