Three-night concert to end Gay Games

The highlight of this year's Gay Games - a three-night gala concert - will be held in November at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, together with the opening and closing ceremonies and the martial arts and dodgeball sporting competitions, organizers announced.

Other than the indoor multipurpose stadium in Causeway Bay, organizers also secured MacPherson Stadium in Mong Kok, the Jockey Club HKCFA Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O, the HKC Dragon Boat Association Training Centre and the Shatin Rowing Centre, both in Sha Tin.

AIA Vitality Park at Central Harbourfront will host the games village .

Robyn Joseph, chief operating officer of Entertainment Corp - operator of the AIA Vitality Park - said "this is a unique opportunity to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Hong Kong's culture and community.

"We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all GGHK participants and visitors, where they can enjoy a variety of events and activities that celebrate their identity and achievements," he added.

The organizers also announced more guest performers for the gala event on November 5, 7 and 9: the brass ensemble of the Hong Kong Philharmonic; Darkwah, a singer-songwriter from the UK, and Jason Dhakal, a Filipino R&B artist.

They will join previously announced performers such as Courtney Act from Australia, Virgin X from the UK, Silvy from Thailand, Cambodian dance troupe Prumsodun Ok and Natyarasa, local talents Terence Siufay, Miss Janni, Zelos Wong, and local drag queens.

Also unveiled was games mascot "Sunny the Lion" - who can "create miracles from the impossible," with its inspiration coming from Lion Rock that "symbolizes the city's spirit of resilience and determination and the ability to rise above difficulties and stand strong."

After being postponed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, GGHK will be held between November 3 and 11 and cohosted with Guadalajara, Mexico, as this is the first time the games are being held in both Asia and Latin America.

The games is recruiting some 2,000 volunteers for the events, who will take various roles at the registration and information booths, sports operations and media relations.