The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (31 October 2017) warmly welcomes the successful bid to host the 2022 Gay Games in Hong Kong. The Gay Games are the largest LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) sporting event in the world, which have been held every four years since 1982.

EOC Chairperson Professor Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming said, “We are very pleased to hear that the Gay Games will be hosted in Hong Kong in 2022. It will be the first time this kind of sports and cultural event is ever held in Hong Kong, or anywhere in Asia. We believe that it will be an excellent opportunity to promote equality and respect of LGBTI people, as well as celebrating diversity and encouraging participation of all.”

The EOC understands that the mission of the Federation of Gay Games which organises the Gay Games is to promote equality, inclusion and participation of all groups through the sporting event. The EOC notes the principle of the Gay Games is that all activities conducted under its auspices shall be inclusive in nature and that no individual shall be excluded from participating on the basis of sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political belief(s), athletic/artistic ability, physical challenge, age, or health status.

The EOC fully supports these values which are consistent with the EOC’s mission of promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for all, and has since October 2016 supported the bid for Hong Kong to host the event. The EOC believes that it is another important step in promoting equality and better understanding of LGBTI people in Hong Kong and across Asia. The EOC plans to continue supporting the Games in the lead up to and during the event.

______________________________________________

Equal Opportunities Commission
31 October 2017