Alan joined GGHK’s management team in May 2020 as deputy sports director and in that time has led the Sports team to make substantial progress towards creating a successful event. Achievements include confirming event partners and venues, and reaching cooperation agreements with sports associations connected to the 22 sports that GGHK will be hosting.
In addition to new sports added for Hong Kong such as Dodgeball, Dragonboat and Mahjong, the line-up includes Badminton, Field Hockey, Fencing, Football (Soccer), Marathon (half/full), Swimming, Road Races (5/10 km), Martial Arts, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Sailing, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track & Field, and Trail Running (short/long).
Co-hosted with Guadalajara, Mexico, the 11th Gay Games will be the first in both Asia and Latin America, as well the first time to be hosted in two cities simultaneously. Open to everyone 18 and older, the Games welcome everyone to participate regardless of ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and athletic ability.
“I step humbly into the co-chair role and ask for everyone’s support, because I owe so much to this city’s people,” said Alan Lang. “Eight million individuals in a region of 2 billion who adopted me as one of their own, without judgement or preconceived notions; this newly arrived Australian expat who ‘could’.
“More than anything, I’m here because like the first games held in 1982 in San Francisco, I want to make something from nothing. I want to build on what has come before me, and I want to bring what the rest of the world has enjoyed for four decades, the Gay Games, for the first time here in Asia in 2023.”
To be held during 3-11 November 2023 in both cities, the Games will be one of the largest sports, arts & culture events of next year, bringing the global community together through the power of sports and culture. In addition to 22 sports, GGHK will feature Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Festival Village, Arts & Culture events with daily performances, Gala Concert, art exhibitions, and a variety of events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Gay Games.
