While Chicago continues to woo Olympic officials to host the 2016 Games, the District is ramping up its efforts this weekend to become the host city for the 2014 Gay Games.
The Federation of Gay Games site selection team is scheduled to arrive in D.C. Friday to tour numerous sites across the region, including Nationals Stadium and RFK Stadium, to see if Washington is a viable option for the Games, which will be held July 26-Aug. 2, 2014.
Nats Stadium would host the opening ceremony, while RFK would host the closing ceremony, according to the Washington Blade. The selection team will also visit other D.C., Maryland and Virginia facilities, including the University of Maryland, George Washington University, Dunbar High School and the Kettler ice rink.
Local organizers say the Games would bring 12,000 athletes and 80,000 visitors to the District. Two other cities are vying for the Games: Boston and Cleveland. The site will be selected in late September.
A rally will be held Monday to show support for the games. It starts at 7:30 p.m. at Stead Park (17th and P Streets, NW). Organizers say D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty will be in attendance.
For more information, visit http://www.dcfreedomgames2014.org/.
