Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 (GGHK) is in the midst of working together with key organisations and community leaders for a unity celebration.
The GGHK team recently celebrated the official countdown to the Opening Ceremony of GGHK which will take place on November 12, 2022, at the Hong Kong Stadium.
The two years countdown to GGHK has begun with an astonishing USD 100,000 raised via crowdfunding, an amount that is continually growing. The funds raised will be used to secure venues and organise the largest LGBTQ+ sports, arts and cultural event in the world, and the first Games held in Asia.
Major corporations are meeting with the GGHK team to join as platinum sponsors and announcements are planned for early 2021.
“Unity is the key message of GGHK” said Dennis Philipse, founder & co-chair of GGHK. “Carrying a torch of empowerment and connection in Hong Kong serves to bring our community together in this important time for our city. We are excited to welcome all the 12,000 participants and 75,000 spectators from 100 countries to the city as the Games serve to boost the local economy by 1 billion HK$.”
Lisa Lam joined the team as General Counsel & Director of External Affairs “to give a voice to the younger LGBTQ+ generation”, a voice that she did not have growing up in Hong Kong. “I remember feeling lonely, isolated. With no words to express who I knew I was, I felt voiceless and alone. That is not Hong Kong today. The Games serve as a beacon of hope, showcasing the diversity of the vibrant city as well as a welcoming place to live an out proud life, by organising sports, arts & culture events, open for all.”
“Becoming Asia’s first city to host Gay Games isn’t just a cause for pride and celebration for Hong Kong; it drives home the message that the LGBTI community and indeed all in society deserve to be visible, represented and included in sports and other areas of life,” said Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, Chairperson of Hong Kong’s Equal Opportunities Commission.
Jonathan McKinley, member of GGHK’s Advisory Committee: “I believe that sport can help people to enjoy a better quality of life. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, sport allows you to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and share experiences that make these connections stronger. The Gay Games in Hong Kong will bring excitement to our city, create new friendships, and break down barriers between us. In short, we’re going to have a cracking good time.”
Colin Grant, co-founder and CEO of The PURE Group and member of GGHK’s Advisory Committee stated “GGHK is a huge, exciting and progressive event for Hong Kong which the whole team at PURE are delighted to be part of, and it’s my honour to be on the advisory committee. The diversity and inclusion of the Gay Games, together with its unique approach to global and local sports, arts & culture means it’ll be a relevant and colourful boost to our city – especially being the first host city in Asia!”
“The Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre is proud to support this landmark event to promote equality for all. As well as being the Home of the Hong Kong representative teams we also provide inclusion to the community, schools and local charities. We are happy that the centre can host the Gay Games in 2022.” – Mark Sinclair, Operations Manager, HK Football Association
“As the first ever Gay Games in Asia, Gay Games 11 Hong Kong will be a historic moment for the world and its LGBTQ+ communities. It shows that the Federation of Gay Games and the LGBTQ+ communities we support, are continuing to push boundaries, change perceptions and promote acceptance and inclusion. We’re excited for participant registration opening up in June 2021 and we know, based on the planning that has been done to date, that this will be – as all Games are – a world-class sports and cultural event that everybody on the planet needs now, more than ever.” – Joanie Evans, Co-President, Federation of Gay Games
“I really believe that sports have a unifying power. Through the shared experiences of inclusiveness and mutual respect by being part of the Games can help build bridges leading to better understanding among people. The event will be an excellent opportunity to showcase Hong Kong in a positive, inclusive manner.” said Lisa Lam.