The Irish leader is backing Co. Limerick’s bid to to host the Gay Games in 2018.
Prime Minister Enda Kenny has written a letter to the Federation of Gay Games, to show his support for Limerick's bid.
Limerick is vying against Paris and London to host the games, which could bring a boost of €50 million euro to the region in terms of tourism spend, according to organizers.
Kenny guaranteed a traditional Irish welcome for everyone who attends the 2018 event and said “Ireland is waiting, do come and join us”.
If Limerick is chosen as the host city this October the games could deliver a multi-million euro boost for the city.
The Irish delegation will travel to Cleveland, Ohio to make a final presentation to members of the Federation of Gay Games at their Annual General Assembly in October.
Cillian Flynn, spokesman for Limerick’s bid, said “Should we be successful on October 7th we believe that hosting the 2018 Gay Games will reinforce the quality of Limerick’s sporting infrastructure and build capacity for organising other major sporting events into the future.
"We hope the visitors who come to the Games will develop a lifelong affection for Limerick and the region creating a desire to return. Even more importantly, previous host cities have found that the Gay Games generated much greater awareness of diversity issues and provided a platform for marketing their city to LGBT visitors. We also believe that the Games will provide a positive example of diversity which will support inclusion in our city.”
The Gay Games started in San Francisco in 1982 and is held every four years. The founding principles of the Gay Games are “Inclusion, Participation and Personal Best”
The host city announcement will be made on Monday October 7th .
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