Registrations for the Gay Games Valencia 2026 have exceeded 8,500 participants with 67 days remaining before the event begins on June 27, organisers said.
The twelfth edition of the international sporting event, which celebrates sexual diversity, will take place in Valencia from June 27 to July 4, 2026, with athletes arriving from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and Australia.
The latest figures show registrations have already doubled those of the previous edition, held across Hong Kong and Guadalajara, Mexico, highlighting strong global demand for the event. Organisers say the growth reflects increasing international participation and sustained interest in inclusive sporting events.
The Gay Games Valencia Volunteer Office has recruited 520 volunteers to support the event, covering areas such as sports operations, cultural activities, participant services and administrative coordination. Volunteers will receive training on the city’s sports infrastructure, specific event roles and initiatives aimed at improving visibility and acceptance of the LGTBIAQ+ community.
The volunteer group has an average age of 41 and demonstrates a high level of international diversity. Spanish volunteers account for 54% of the total, followed by participants from Ghana at 11%, France at 9% and the United States at 4%, with the remaining 22% representing other nationalities.
The participation of volunteers from Ghana stands out, given the country’s restrictive legislation affecting LGTBIQ+ rights. Organisers have not confirmed whether these volunteers will travel from abroad or are already residing in Europe, though around 300 Ghanaians are registered in Valencia.
Volunteer roles are structured across four main areas, including support within municipal sports facilities, assistance at cultural events, operation of information points for participants and administrative coordination, such as accreditation and welcome pack distribution.
“Volunteers are the soul of sporting events in this city because they are the ones who make it possible for these events to be held in an organized, agile and coordinated manner”, said Rocío Gil, councilor for Sports and Equality. “The 520 volunteers are an exciting number that invites us to continue working on recruiting local, national and international volunteers, especially in this sprint of the last three months before the games”.
The registration process for both participants and volunteers remains open through the official Gay Games Valencia 2026 website as organisers prepare for the final stages leading up to the event. With the start date approaching, the city is expected to welcome thousands of athletes and visitors for one of the largest international sporting events focused on inclusion and diversity.
For more information visit Gay Games XII Valencia 2026 website.
