By Duncan Mackay

The Paris 2018 delegation, including French Sports Minister Valérie Fourneyron, at the Federation of Gay Games General Assembly in ClevelandOctober 6 - Paris' bid to host the 2018 Gay Games has been given a big boost by the presence of French Sports Minister Valérie Fourneyron and double Olympic gold medal winning fencer Laura Flessel.


They headed the delegation from the French capital when Paris, along with rivals Limerick and London, made their final presentations at the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) Annual General Assembly in Cleveland today.

The final decision is due to be made tomorrow with the winner hosting an event that is expected to be attended by more than 8,000 athletes from over 70 countries competing in nearly 40 events.

It is Paris' second bid to host the Games, having been defeated in 2005 by Cologne for the 2010 edition, a defeat French officials blamed on the fact the campaign was running simultaneously with the race to find a host city for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

"In 2005, the schedule was against us because of the candidacy of Paris 2012," said Michael Geffroy, co-President of Paris 2018.

"Nobody could fight on two fronts, not even the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe."

Paris were also beaten in the campaign for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics by London, a rivalry that has been reignited during this candidature. 

French Sports Minister Valérie Fourneyron with designer Jean Paul Gaultier at the Federation of Gay Games General Assembly in ClevelandFrench Sports Minister Valérie Fourneyron with designer Jean Paul Gaultier at the Federation of Gay Games General Assembly in Cleveland

Fourneyron has been at the forefront of Paris' bid, hosting a reception when the FGG Evaluation Committee visited the city in July.

"For me, it was natural to support the Gay Games," she said.

"I have always claimed that sport is a place where the should be no form of discrimination, whether they concern gender or sexual orientation."

Paris 2018, whose honorary President is Pierre Bergé, co-founder of Yves Saint Laurent Couture House, has also received the support of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) and more than 20 National Federations, including athletics, football and rugby. 

The presence of Flessel, winner of five Olympic medals, including two gold at Atlanta 1996, is another sign of the high profile support Paris enjoys.

Fessel, who carried the French flag at the Opening Ceremony of London 2012 on what her fifth and final appearance in the Olympics, is a member of the National Committee Against Discrimination in Sport.

Other big name supporters of Paris' bid include world famous designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.

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