FGG’s Annual General Assembly 2026 celebrates València, and looks forward to Perth

More than 10,000 participants, 130 nationalities and a shared belief in the power of participation: the legacy of Valencia 2026 provided an inspiring starting point for the Federation of Gay Games’ Annual General Assembly. Meeting virtually on 17 October, delegates, member organisations and Federation leaders celebrated what our community has achieved and advanced the work that will carry that spirit towards Perth 2030.

Throughout the Assembly, one theme connected the host city presentations, elections and community updates: the Gay Games thrive through years of dedication, partnership and practical action. That work continues long after the closing ceremony.

Celebrating Valencia’s legacy

Valencia’s organisers returned to the Assembly with a heartfelt reflection on an event that brought together 10,289 participants. Across eight days, the programme encompassed 39 competitive sports, two local exhibition sports and approximately 60 venues, alongside 11 cultural and social events.

Among the most powerful figures was the participation of 290 people aged 70 or over. Their presence captured the enduring promise of the Gay Games: opportunities to take part, pursue a personal best and find community at every stage of life.

Culture brought that same spirit into concert halls, public squares and gathering places across Valencia. Choirs, bands, cheerleaders and performers created opportunities for connection and celebration, making LGBTQ+ lives and creativity visible throughout the city.

Behind those moments stood years of preparation and an extraordinary collective effort. Twenty-one sports federations, local clubs, officials and technical teams helped deliver the sporting programme, supported by 350 sports volunteers and around 200 more volunteers working across accreditation, culture and other activities. The Assembly recognised their commitment, including the countless problems solved by people whose work rarely appears in the photographs.

Valencia’s team also acknowledged the challenges of delivering an event of this scale and offered to share its experience with Perth. A fuller report will follow at the 2027 Assembly, while participant survey findings will be explored in a dedicated session with time for questions. Celebrating the Games and learning from them are both essential parts of building their legacy.

Perth 2030 takes shape

With the next Gay Games confirmed for 9–16 March 2030, Perth’s presentation showed that preparations are already moving forward.

The organising team is building relationships with government, sporting bodies, cultural organisations and international partners. Early venue planning includes grouping activities into hubs to make travel easier and help participants enjoy more of the Games together.

Feedback gathered in Valencia is helping shape that work. Participants highlighted the importance of a central social hub, clear information, earlier schedules and convenient transport. Access to shade, water and toilets also featured prominently, alongside interest in an official Games app. These priorities are informing planning while there is still time to build them into the experience.

Perth is also collaborating with the organisers of the World Police and Fire Games and World Masters Games, both taking place in the city before 2030. Sharing knowledge about venues, volunteers, transport and operations offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen delivery.

Culture and inclusion are central to the developing plans. The team outlined early engagement with local performers and international cultural groups, alongside a scholarship focus on Southeast Asia, Pacific neighbours and First Nations communities. Registration is currently planned to open in early 2028.

Opening doors to participation

The Assembly heard that 89 scholarship recipients were supported at Valencia, demonstrating the difference that fundraising and donor generosity can make.

Delegates discussed how to strengthen that support in future, including a proposal for a regular Federation contribution to the scholarship fund. The discussion reinforced the importance of sustained fundraising to make participation possible for more people.

The Pride Cheerleading Association also shared news of donations arising from its Valencia fundraising, supporting both a local organisation and the FGG scholarship programme. It was a welcome example of the Games’ impact continuing beyond the event itself.

Recognising service and strengthening our organisation

The Assembly approved honorary life membership for Viv Downey-Woodcock and Sean Fitzgerald, recognising their substantial contributions to the Federation and the wider movement. Tributes highlighted work spanning governance, host relations, sport and equity, reflecting the lasting difference committed individuals can make.

Delegates re-elected Jan Schneider as Co-President, Austin Manning as Director of Host City Selection and Duncan Campbell as Director of Global Engagement, and elected Laurie Butterley as Director of Gay Games Quality. Recruitment will follow for the vacant Director of Development role.

The financial report and budget were approved, supporting continued planning across the four-year Games cycle. Work is also under way to improve members’ access to policies, bylaws and meeting minutes, alongside plans to build communications and marketing capacity for international outreach.

Discussion of a proposal to guarantee virtual participation at future Assemblies highlighted the importance of accessible involvement. The amendment fell short of the required two-thirds majority and will return to the governance committee for further review.

A community that keeps moving

Member updates brought the wider movement into view, from preparations for the IGLA Championships in Montreal and future GALA Choruses gatherings to Pride Bands Alliance’s planned Rose Parade appearance. These activities sustain the friendships, visibility and opportunities that connect our community between Games.

Auckland, New Zealand, will host the 2027 Annual General Assembly, with dates to be announced.

As we carry Valencia’s memories forward and help Perth prepare to welcome the world, our purpose remains clear: to create more opportunities for participation, inclusion and personal best. Every volunteer shift, partnership, donation and hour of preparation helps keep that promise alive.