Columbus, Ohio-Ohio Governor Ted Strickland released the following statement in response to the selection of Cleveland as host of the 2014 Gay Games:

"I would like to thank the Cleveland Synergy Foundation, the Federation of Gay Games, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and all of those from throughout the state who worked to bring the 2014 Gay Games to Northeast Ohio.  The 2014 Gay Games will be among the largest events ever hosted in Ohio.  It will further our reputation as a welcoming, inclusive state, which in turn will help attract jobs and foster long-term economic growth.  We look forward to the honor and privilege of welcoming people from across the world to compete on Cleveland’s global stage.”

According to the Federation of Gay Games, this event is a quadrennial sports and cultural festival, founded in 1982 by Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell, that has drawn as many as 12,000 participants – more than the Olympics.  The Gay Games have been held in San Francisco, Vancouver, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, and Chicago. The 2010 Gay Games will take place in Cologne, Germany.