President Obama Surprises Everyone by Showing up at the Gay Games

                                                                           

President Obama kicked off the international Gay Games in Cleveland with a surprise video message shown at the opening ceremonies.

Obama welcomed athletes, coaches, families and spectators from around the world to Ohio and the United States as the event began Saturday night.

The President said the United States has come a long way in its commitment to equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. He also noted some athletes come from places where revealing their sexual orientation can put them at risk.

 The Gay Games kicked off Saturday night in Cleveland. About 8,000 people are registered to participate in the international event.

  

He affirmed the United States’ commitment to standing “with you and for your human rights.”

Performers Lance Bass and the Pointer Sisters also helped kick off the weeklong games. About 8,000 people are registered to participate.

(DUANE PROKOP/GETTY IMAGES)

Lance Bass performs during the opening ceremonies of the event.

The Gay Games is often billed as the world’s largest sporting and cultural event organized by, and specifically for gay, bisexual, and transgender athletes, artists and musicians. The first Gay Games was in 1982 in San Francisco.

source: NYDaily News