In a historic announcement made overnight in Spain, Perth has officially been named the host city for the 2030 Gay Games, triumphing over Denver, Colorado in a competitive global bid. This marks a monumental win for Australia’s LGBTQIA+ community and positions Perth as a global leader in inclusive sport.
The decision concludes a two-year selection process involving 25 cities across five continents. The announcement was met with excitement and pride, especially from key stakeholders PrideWA, The Event Team and Team Perth, who played an integral role in the bid process.
SportWest’s True Sport Program: Driving Inclusion and Legacy
A key contributor to Perth’s successful bid was SportWest’s True Sport Manager, Jasmine Cappellucci whose leadership helped shape a compelling vision for the Games. The True Sport program, launched in 2023, is a transformational initiative designed to create safe, inclusive, and welcoming sporting environments across Western Australia. "SportWest, in alignment with True Sport framework is proud to champion inclusion and visibility through the 2030 Gay Games - empowering sporting communities with education, tools, and celebration. From grassroots workshops to vibrant community activations and post-Games legacy initiatives, we’re building a future where every athlete, volunteer, and fan feels seen, safe, and supported."
As outlined in the SportWest Partnership Framework, True Sport will play a central role in the lead-up to and legacy of the 2030 Gay Games through:
- Educational workshops for sports administrators, coaches, and volunteers on LGBTQIA+ inclusion and combating discrimination.
- A self-assessment tool to help sporting organisations benchmark and improve their inclusivity practices.
- Policy development support and collaboration with experts like Dr Ryan Storr from Swinburne University.
- Community activation hubs during the Games, including “Come & Try” sessions at Langley Park and a celebratory “Fan Fare” experience.
- A True Sport conference stream, a Pride art installation in Supreme Court Gardens, and a Rainbow Bridge Sports Challenge to engage the public and promote visibility.
- Post-Games initiatives like a Social Return on Investment study and a Lunch and Learn series to embed diversity and inclusion long after the closing ceremony.
A Global Celebration of Sport and Identity
The 2030 Gay Games will bring thousands of athletes, supporters, and allies to Perth, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and commitment to equality. With SportWest and True Sport at the helm, the event promises not only world-class competition but also a powerful legacy of inclusion, education, and community connection.
Congratulation again to PrideWA, Team Perth, The Event Team and all stakeholders involved in the bid. We will celebrate this win and continue building a future where sport is truly for everyone.
