Un-freakin'-believable!

Cleveland has been awarded the 2014 Gay Games!

The announcement was just made by the Federation of Gay Games in Cologne, Germany.

Congratulations to everyone at the Cleveland Synergy Foundation, who, along with their partners, somewhat improbably brought the games home to Northeast Ohio.

Read on for updates throughout the day.

UPDATE 3:

The pride flag is flying over Cleveland City Hall in celebration of the Gay Games victory. The city is doing everything right when it comes to this amazing day.


UPDATE 2:

A Spangle exclusive, direct from the Blackberry of the Synergy Foundation's Doug Anderson: "In Cologne with 20 incredible Cleveland plus Akron brothers and sisters. In a daze, but believed in our beautiful city and our GLBTS family. Now the world believes. It can happen, it did happen and it will happen. Change is in the wind, and all of our friends and family will be a part of this historic event. Shout it out boys and girls.  We will rock tonight, we will rock tomorrow and we will rock in 2014."


UPDATE 1:

In the seconds immediately after the Cologne announcement: Doug Anderson of the Synergy Foundation says organizers are "humbled."

Valarie McCall, the chief of government affairs for the City of Cleveland, says this will be transformational for Cleveland. "Whether you are LGBT or GLBT or straight or minority or not, this awarding of the games to the beautiful city of Cleveland will really help take it to the next level ... I promise you that on behalf of our leadership, when you come to Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A., we will, we will, rock you."

From the official press release:

Kurt Dahl and Emy Ritt, Federation of Gay Games co-presidents: “Cleveland demonstrated to the Federation of Gay Games that they understood the mission of the Gay Games and our principles of ‘Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best.’ We were highly impressed by the facilities and infrastructure, the widespread community sport, their financial plan and the city’s experience in hosting large scale sports and cultural events.”
 
Mayor Frank Jackson: "The City of Cleveland is prepared to roll out the welcome mat to the LGBT athletes, their families and spectators from around the world. Fans of the Gay Games will find that Cleveland is a great place to celebrate sports and culture and that we have tremendous assets and amenities for them to enjoy.  The sports and cultural environment here is truly a uniquely Cleveland experience, one they will cherish for years to come."
 
Doug Anderson: “We are extremely honoured and pleased that Cleveland has been selected to host the 2014 Gay Games. It is truly a privilege to continue Dr. Tom Waddell’s legacy and vision in our city – an extremely enthusiastic sports town - where the guiding principles of personal best, inclusion and participation are held dear.  We are also pleased to be considered and selected from among two of the greatest cities in the world – Boston and Washington, D.C. – and greatly appreciate the support of both cities as Cleveland hosts the Gay Games in 2014.”

Comments (11)

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CONGRATS!
written by Nick , September 29, 2009

I'm thrilled for CSF, for all of Cleveland and for the Games! Now, let's keep that momentum going and show this town what a bunch of dedicated people can do when they pull together!

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Woo Hoo!
written by Roger , September 29, 2009

Way to go...

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WOW
written by Barb Forsyth-Bowley , September 29, 2009

WOW!!!!!! Where's the party?

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O' HAPPY DAY!!!!
written by Veranda L'Ni , September 29, 2009

What a tremendous acheivement for Cleveland and the Synergy Foundation! All of your hard work, blood, sweat and tears paid off!!! More hard work ahead, but well worth the effort!

Much love and smooches!

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Congratulations!
written by Kevin Moore , September 29, 2009

This is fabulous! Hats off to the bid team!

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Yeah!
written by Matthew Chojnacki , September 29, 2009

Amazing! Is there video where we can watch the announcement? I wasn't able to watch the live broadcast.

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the energy is exponential!
written by Michael Rosenfeldt , September 29, 2009

this has been quite a cause to track as it progressed, thank you to all ivolved and let's give this our all !

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Here is the announcement...
written by Matthew Chojnacki , September 29, 2009

http://www.livestream.com/2014GayGames

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Fanstastic!
written by Cindy , September 29, 2009

Congrats to Cleveland and those who worked so hard for this victory! Thanks to Matthew for posting the link as I missed the live announcement, too!

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Edit :)
written by Cindy , September 29, 2009

Yes, that should read, "Fantastic!" Typing too fast for my own good.

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P.S.
written by Matthew Chojnacki , September 29, 2009

Click the "on demand" option at the link above to watch the video.

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