Gay Games Valencia 2026 reach 5,000 registered participants
The organizing committee of Gay Games XII València 2026 has launched a scholarship program to complement the one offered by the Federation of Gay Games.
These scholarships are aimed at any LGTBIAQ+ athlete in the world, with a special focus on countries in the Mediterranean region, Central and South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026.
Gay Games XII València 2026 aims to ensure that no one is left out of the global LGTBIAQ+ sports arena that will take place in the city of the river Túria. For this reason, the local organization has launched a new scholarship initiative to complement the Federation’s program. According to the organizers, these scholarships are “essential: throughout the history of the event, they have enabled more than 1,000 athletes from 70 countries to participate in these games that showcase diversity and empowerment.”
For this edition of the Gay Games, organizers expect that—through the efforts of both the Federation and the local committee—scholarships worth an estimated total of €200,000 will be distributed. These scholarships may cover registration fees, accommodation, transportation, and/or local travel, depending on each applicant’s actual needs. These grants are made possible thanks to funds raised through registrations and donations from organizations, institutions, and individuals as part of the “Road to València 2026” campaign. The organizing committee emphasizes that “each scholarship application is carefully reviewed to provide the maximum possible support.”
One of the key goals of these scholarships is to allow people who are LGTBIAQ+ role models in their communities to experience the Gay Games and thereby strengthen their work toward inclusive sports—synonymous with coexistence and social change. For this edition, hundreds of athletes from countries such as Argentina, Australia, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Africa, Uganda, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zambia have already applied.
The scholarships—currently under active review—may be requested until January 31. All information and the application form are available at: https://www.gaygamesvalencia2026.com/scholarships/
About the Gay Games
The Gay Games are an international event blending sports, culture, and community. They were founded nearly 50 years ago with a clear mission: to celebrate diversity and amplify the visibility of LGTBIAQ+ identities alongside all allies—removing barriers and focusing on participation, connection, and joy.
Gay Games XII Valencia 2026 will take place from June 27 to July 4, 2026. Over the course of the week, thousands of participants from around the globe will gather in Valencia to compete in dozens of sports—from soccer to pétanque—enjoy a wide range of cultural activities, and celebrate diversity together in a safe, inclusive environment.
