Thousands descend on València for the 2026 Gay Games
The Opening Ceremony kicks it all off this weekend
Thousands of athletes from the UK & Ireland, and across the world, are descending on València as it gears up to host the prestigious Gay Games.
Just like their Olympic counterpart, the sporting spectacle takes place every four years, and offers eight days of both competitive and cultural events dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
Those taking part will be coming together in a celebration of LGBTQIA+ identities, including allies, aiming to foster a spirit of inclusion and community.
Across the next week, the athletes will be getting involved in a selection 39 sports, including badminton, fencing, rugby - and even figure skating.
Organisers of this year's event - the first Games to ever be held in Spain - promise a unique experience combining sports, culture, and community celebration, rich with concerts, talks, and workshops.
Whilst the signature International Rainbow Memorial 5k Run allows participants to circle the host city, show solidarity, and take time to reflect on those lost over the years.
Since 1990, each edition begins with the run, which pays tribute to the memories of all family members that the Gay Games have lost, especially due to HIV/AIDS and cancer.
'We wanted to show up for those who never had sporting role-models growing up'
Jon Landa Diestro, from València, is from this year's Organising Committee, having started all the way back in 2020, as part of the volunteering team working on the initial bid for the Games.
"Imagining the Gay Games being hosted in a city where I arrived at the age of 22 to study my Masters was such a dream back then, and thinking about it all happening over the next week really is the cherry on top of the cake," he told Hits Radio Pride.
"The Gay Games are all about using sports and promoting both visibility and diversity - while showing these sporting role models to the world, something the younger Jon never had.
"After the city was selected as the host for 2026, we really wanted to show up for those who maybe had never felt seen before, and for those who never had those role models - like me - growing up.
"For us, we are just looking forward to welcoming everyone whilst showcasing what our world-class sporting venues - and our city - have to offer.
"Most importantly, we want to show everyone that this is a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community, and especially for those for can't be their true selves back at home."
We wouldn't be talking diversity without exploring the diverse range of sports on offer, too - with this year's Gay Games hosting everything, from cycling and badminton, all the way to martial arts and even chess.
'Sports are part of the DNA of València'
As Jon explained, there's so much to get involved with - and a lot of it is ingrained in the fabric of the city.
He said: "Sports are part of the DNA of València, and that's the one souvenir we want people to take home with them when it's all over.
"This is the birth city of modern chess - so it's really apt that this is on offer at the Games this year.
"We were really keen to offer this as one of the sports for 2026.
"The rules for modern chess were printed for the first time ever right here all the way back in 1475.
"But it's not just chess - as we have figure skating, too - which might sound a bit strange in a hot city like València.
"Actually, though, this is one of the key sports in the Gay Games since the very beginning, and we've got a small ice rink which is perfect for this event."
In total, there are 39 sports across the eight days - some of them happening for the first time ever, including Padel, which is growing in popularity across the continent, and around the world.
Showcasing a 'tapas' of sporting disciplines
E-sports have arrived at the Games, too, whilst they'll also be hosting two sports local to the city, giving the athletes a flavour of what makes València so unique.
Jon added: "Nobody in the world will ever have heard them, so these two sports are instead being offered as free workshops.
"Pilota valenciana and Colpbol are so special to this part of the world, so we can't wait to teach the world all about these, and so proud to showcase what I like to call a tapas of all the sports.
"I love calling it tapas, because if you like it, it makes you want to give it a go when you get back home!"
The three pillars of the Gay Games are 'participation', inclusion', and 'personal best', and this year's organising committee say they have been committed to give everyone an equal chance in getting involved.
Jon remarked: "We've done the work to make the Games as inclusive as possible, and then your personal best is up to you!
"You can get things from the shop as a souvenir, but the most important gift we want people to take home with them is that this is a safe space, and everywhere in the world should be a safer space for everybody."
The Opening Ceremony kicks off tomorrow, with the global arena opening its doors at the iconic Estadi Ciutat de València for a moment when the world unites under a single flag: the flag of diversity.
'The start of an adventure' begins at 7.30pm, celebrating the community, their city, and their stories.
You can check out the full Gay Games schedule here.