Tomorrow is the opening ceremony of the 9th Gay Games, presented by the Cleveland Foundation, and GLAAD is going help bring the excitement and action to you.
GLAAD is a proud sponsor of the Gay Games. This is Ross Murray, GLAAD's Director of News. I'm currently writing this blog post from the Wi-Fi aboard a Southwest Airlines flight to Cleveland. Once I arrive in Cleveland, I'll join the Gay Games communications team to meet the athletes, talk to reporters, and share photos and updates of the action.
I'm also being joined by GLAAD board member, Lana Moore. Lana is the fire chief of nearby Columbus, Ohio, and she is ready to welcome the world's athletes to Ohio!
Before the start of the opening ceremony, I'm going to meet athletes at Progressive Field. It's more than just a gathering and line up, this time will be when many of the participants meet one another, and have their own pre-party. Entertainment will feature guest artists, dancers, cheerleaders, the 2014 Gay Games community chorus and team marching band. Plus the formal welcome speeches, the raising of the Rainbow Flag and the administration of the pledge taken by all participants will get these Games started in style. I'll be meeting the participants, listening to their stories, and taking photos to share with you.
Then it's off to the opening ceremony. Lana and I will watch all the spectacle, including singer, dancer, and radio host Lance Bass, Broadway actress Andrea McArdle, and the legendary Pointer Sisters. Alex Newell, best known for his role on Fox's Glee, will join McArdle for a tribute to Gay Games participants in a Broadway-style musical number. Olympic champion and LGBT advocate Greg Louganis will also make a special appearance. The event will generate buzz, excitement and spirit that will carry throughout the remainder of the Games.
Then the games begin. What sports do you think Lana and I should attend? Badminton? Rowing? Ice Hockey? Figure skating? Dancesport? Squash? There are 35 sports to choose from, plus cultural programs like chorus and band. Let me know in the comments below which sporting events we should be attending. Tell us on Twitter!
Follow me: Follow @inlayterms
Follow Lana: Follow @LanaMMoore
I'm looking forward to bringing you the sights, sounds, excitement, and energy of the Gay Games! Be sure to check the updates at www.glaad.org, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.