GG9

GG9. . , In 2009, on a cool September evening in Cologne, Germany, our local delegation eagerly awaited the announcement if Akron and Cleveland had been chosen to host the 2014 Gay Games., Our anticipation - which had grown increasingly intense over the previous years as we prepared the bid, conducted site visits and built our local coalition - came down to this one moment in time. Would the special brand of Midwestern hospitality that we had extended to our friends at the Federation of Gay Games tip the scale in our favor? Would one of the larger city finalists, Boston or Washington, DC, be chosen? Or would the relentlessly optimistic underdog win?, When the announcement of our victory reverberated around and through us just moments later that night, we knew we were not only responsible for producing a world-class event, but that we had the opportunity to do our part in advancing the dignity, self-worth and acceptance of LGBT men and women. The latter proved to be by far the most rewarding, as 9,000 athletes and thousands of visitors from 36 countries came to Akron and Cleveland. They were welcomed with open arms, excitement and respect., Participation. Inclusion. Personal Best. These are the pillars forged by the Federation of Gay Games, creating the foundation upon which the event would rest. Similarly, Greater Akron's hospitality would rest upon the uncompromised and proven customer service provided by our hotel, dining, entertainment, retail and community partners. Our first-class sports venues were essential for us to secure the event. We hosted golf, full and half marathons, 10K, track and field, soccer, indoor climbing, martial arts, rodeo and softball. Many thanks go to Firestone Country Club, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Summit County Fairgrounds, Firestone Stadium, City of Akron, Akron Marathon, University of Akron and John S. Knight Center for hosting the sporting events., Let us mark this location and always remember in our hearts the incredible opportunity and responsibility we had hosting GG9 in August 2014 and be proud that our community came together to share with the world our kindness, pride and respect for all., Susan, we made your dream come true!,

"Being involved with the International Gay Rodeo Association's rodeo competition at Gay Games 9 was the experience of a lifetime!, The Opening Ceremonies, with athletes from all over the world cheering more than 130 competitors to the first ever Gay Rodeo held in conjunction with the Gay Games, were spectacular. That simple short walk still fills us with tremendous pride., Cowgirls and Cowboys traveled to Summit County from as far away as Australia and South Africa to compete and show the world the sport of Gay Rodeo. Many have said that the Gay Rodeo at Gay Games 9 will always be the highlight of their entire rodeo career." , -Judy Munson, Rodeo Director , IGRA Rodeo GG9

, Internationally-acclaimed Akron artist Don Drumm created this original sculpture to embody the sporting events held in Greater Akron, honoring GG9 and our community.