AVEGAL has been officially appointed as the local LGBTQ+ community partner for the XII Gay Games in València 2026
Translation: Association of Companies and Professionals for Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals, and Bisexuals of the Valencian Community
The Valencian Local Government Board has approved the partial transfer of the Gay Games contract to AVEGAL, as requested by the FGG in order to ensure the Organizing Committee for the Gay Games has representation from both the local government as well as the local LGBTQ+ community.
AVEGAL will take on key functions in the preparations for the Games, such as managing cultural and leisure activities, conducting promotional and cultural actions, as well as handling registrations and securing sponsorships.
Management of the contract between the FGG and the Organizing Committee will continue to be carried out under the supervision of the Organizing Committee as the primary body.
The International Federation of Gay Games (FGG) is happy to confirm the appointment of AVEGAL - the Association of Companies and Professionals for Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals, and Bisexuals of the Valencian Community - as the local community partner for the Gay Games XII, due to be held in València in 2026.
The Valencian Local Government Board has approved the partial transfer of the Gay Games contract to AVEGAL. The meeting, which took place on 14 March 2025, addressed the request by the FGG to transfer part of the Gay Games contract to a local LGBTQ+ community partner, to collaborate in preparing for the event. This would ensure that the Organizing Committee would be formed of both members of the local government as well as members of the local LGBTQ+ community.
The Organizing Committee has welcomed AVEGAL’s involvement in the event with enthusiasm and a willingness to work with the LGBTQ+ community to host the best possible edition of the Games in the city.
Sophia Goodner-Rodriguez, Co-President of the FGG, stated “The support of AVEGAL delivers a critical boost to the planning and execution of the Gay Games event, ensuring it remains deeply relevant and beneficial to both the local community and the local economy.”
Management of the contract between the FGG and the Organizing Committee will continue to be carried out under the supervision of the Organizing Committee as the primary body. However, AVEGAL will take on key functions in the development of the Games, specifically responsible for launching a technical office, managing cultural and leisure activities related to the event, conducting promotional and cultural actions, as well as handling registrations and securing sponsorships. Meanwhile, the Municipal Sports Foundation will continue to oversee sports-related responsibilities, including the volunteer office, management of municipal sports and cultural facilities, coordination of the event, and relations with the regional sporting federations.
Additionally, AVEGAL will appoint a representative to be included in the Steering Committee, the Finance Subcommittee, the Sponsorship Subcommittee, and the Cultural Events Subcommittee, where they will be able to provide updates on their activities and offer appropriate guidance.
The designation of AVEGAL as the local community partner has been highlighted as evidence that the Organizing Committee is committed to working together with the local LGBTQ+ community, on a shared roadmap that is beneficial to the wider LGBTQ+ community, to deliver an unforgettable XII edition of the Games.
Jan Schneider, Co-President of the FGG, comments “We are very happy to welcome our new community partner AVEGAL and their local business members, on board, a partnership that underscores the importance of the Gay Games in València.”