Miami Beach bombshell: World Outgames cancels most of its events

On the morning a rainbow of events celebrating LGBTQ sports, culture and human rights was supposed to get underway, those plans have gone out with the tide in Miami Beach, Florida. The organizers of the World Outgames shocked South Beach and the international sports community with the cancellation of nearly everything scheduled.

That would include tonight’s opening ceremonies, the closing ceremonies, a human rights conference, cultural events and 28 sporting events. All that remains are aquatics, soccer and country western dance.

As Outsports first reported, the bad news arrived in the inboxes of Miami Beach officials Friday, as an email from the event’s board of directors:

“It is with deep regret that due to financial challenges, World OutGames must cancel opening and closing ceremonies and sports programming with the exception of aquatics, country western dance and soccer. The Human Rights Conference and cultural programs will continue as planned. We thank everyone who has supported the effort and apologize to those who will be impacted by this difficult decision.”

Outgames

 

The 10-day event was set to run through Sunday, June 4th. Athletes and visitors who had flown to Miami Beach from around the world learned first-hand of the cancellation Friday when they arrived to find the registration desk was closed, WTVJ reported.

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