This edition of the Gay Games will feature 39 disciplines, including two local exhibition sports: colpbol and pilota Valenciana.
The organizers have designed seven dedicated adaptive sports competitions, as well as six open categories.
The sports program for Gay Games XII València 2026 is designed so no one is left out”— with that goal in mind, this edition places a strong emphasis on diversity and accessibility, offering different sports from soccer and swimming to pétanque and e-sports, along with dedicated adaptive competitions and open categories.
The sports lineup includes:
- aquatic disciplines (open water swimming, swimming, artistic swimming, diving, and water polo);
- track and field events (athletics, 5K and 10K races, marathon, and half marathon);
- and a wide range of individual and team sports such as chess, martial arts, badminton, sport dance, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross training, dodgeball, dragon boat, e-sports, fencing, football (soccer), artistic gymnastics, golf, grappling, field hockey, wrestling, padel, figure skating (ice), pétanque, powerlifting, rugby, squash, softball, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, sailing, volleyball, and beach volleyball.
- Attendees will also have the opportunity to discover sports unique to València: pilota valenciana and colpbol.
The organization has set up specific adaptive sports competitions in disciplines such as swimming, table tennis, athletics, padel, soccer, basketball, and tennis. In addition, appropriate accommodations have been made so anyone can register for athletics events, the marathon and half marathon, golf, powerlifting, and all aquatic disciplines.
This edition will also encourage the formation of teams or small groups who want to take part in team sports. According to the organizers, this initiative aims to ensure that “anyone who wants to be part of Gay Games XII València 2026 can be.”
Full details on the sports program for Gay Games XII València 2026 are available here.
About the Gay Games
The Gay Games are an international event combining sports, culture, and community. They were founded nearly half a century ago with a clear purpose: to celebrate diversity and the visibility of LGTBIAQ+ identities together with all allies—without barriers and with the aim of participating, sharing, and enjoying.
Gay Games XII València 2026 will take place from June 27 to July 4, 2026. During those days, thousands of participants from around the world will gather in València to compete in dozens of sports—from football to pétanque—take part in a wide cultural program, and celebrate diversity together in a safe and inclusive environment.
