Cleveland Gay Games Creates Controversy

Cleveland may have sealed its status as the location of the 2014 Gay Games, but representatives from other cities believe foul play led to the city being chosen.

Cleveland beat out finalists Boston and Washington, D.C., to host the largest international competition for LGBT athletes. Bidders from both cities say they're not pleased with the city selection of the Federation of Gay Games, according to Boston Spirit Magazine.

Boston organizers contend Cleveland received preferential treatment in the selection process and avoided punishment for breaking rules when submitting its Gay Games proposal.

"We thought we were going into a fair playing field, but unfortunately it was not," Team Boston committee member Marc Davin said in the Boston Spirit article.

Boston's committee believes Cleveland received special treatment because an LGBT sports competition in Ohio could raise awareness about gay rights issues in the Midwest. Boston volunteers claim they could provide better venues, more money to help with Gay Games events, and a better cultural atmosphere for the competition

Cleveland representatives say the Federation should review its rules for the selection process to make future bidders less confused about following the rules.

"We tried our best to follow all of the rules and regulations, but there was some conflicting information from the Federation," said Jeff Axberg, one of the primary organizers of Cleveland's Gay Games bid.