Jenny Jones, the Green Party's candidate for Mayor of London,
has pledged her support today for London's bid to host the Gay
Games in 2018.
Jones, who will go head-to-head against Boris Johnson, Ken
Livingstone and Brain Paddick next month, said: "I'm very happy to
support the bid for the Gay Games to come to London in 2018. We can
be proud of London's role in furthering equality within our city
and around the world.
"Civil partnerships were raised by our London Assembly Member
Darren Johnson back at the first ever Mayor's Question Time in
2000, and by electing more Green Assembly members in May, we can do
even more to fight for equality, safety and tolerance next
term.
"As a party, Greens are commited to changing the culture of sport
to eliminate the homophobia that is so tragically present in many
disciplines. Sexuality has no relevance to sporting prowess and we
look forward to a time when sportspeople can be totally open about
their lives without the fear of repercussions from spectators,
fans, teammates or the authorities."
Jonathan Harbourne, co-chair of the bid, said: "I'm delighted that
all four main candidates have spoken so positively about the idea
of having the Games in London, and with only eight months to go to
complete our bid book, its getting to a really exciting stage in
our endeavours. Its also great to have a project that brings
together all the LGBT sports clubs in London for a really
worth-while project.
"My plan is to make this Gay Games the most truly diverse and
inclusive Games ever - and now we have a challenge to make it the
greenest Games ever!"
