PHOTOS: Cheerleaders, Pointer Sisters, and the President Kick Off 2014 Gay Games

The ninth Gay Games kicked off in Cleveland over the weekend, ushering in days of sports, camaraderie, and highlighting the accomplishments of LGBT activism. The opening ceremony at the Quicken Loans Arena Saturday night included delegates from 51 countries and 48 states.

The celebration featured Andrea McArdle, Lance Bass, and the Pointer Sisters as well as openly gay Olympian Blake Skjellerup, who carried the torch, and a video message from President Obama. The event's coordinators estimate 20,000-25,000 participants will take part in activities over the course of the next week, reports Cleveland TV station WKYC.

Here's a glimpse of the festive opening ceremonies: