A new sporting event celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity is set to bring communities together from across Kent later this month.
The inaugural Kent Pride Games, founded by Jordan Chan of Queer Kent Life, will take place at the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford on 27 June, with local Pride organisations competing in a day of sports and entertainment.
The event will see teams from Sheppey, Herne Bay, Ramsgate, Maidstone, Broadstairs, Margate and Medway go head-to-head in traditional sports day activities, all competing for the coveted Rainbow Cup and a £250 prize for their Pride organisation.
Alongside the competition, the day will feature drag performances, DJs, singers, stalls and family-friendly attractions, including a bouncy castle.
Two-time Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes will also be in attendance, judging the games.
Tickets for the event are available online via the Julie Rose Stadium website.
Jordan Chan, founder of Queer Kent Life, said the idea for the games was born out of a desire to bring together Prides across the county in a spirit of unity and fun.
“The idea came to unite and bring Prides from across Kent together and show a united Kent,” Chan said. “Prides work so hard all year round, and this event allows them to let their hair down, have fun, and have the chance to win the Rainbow Cup and £250 for their Pride.”
He also praised the venue’s role in bringing the event to life. “The Julie Rose Stadium has been vital in making this possible and has been a dream to work with to make this idea a reality,” he added.
The Kent Pride Games also aim to tackle long-standing issues around inclusivity in sport for LGBTQ+ people.
Jordan spoke candidly about his own experiences, describing how sport often felt unwelcoming in his younger years.
“Sport is often inaccessible, or LGBTQ+ people don’t feel safe or comfortable getting involved,” he said. “From my own experience, it was often a place where I found ridicule - from being the last picked at school to not being invited into teams later on.”
He explained that his outlook changed after getting involved in cricket and tennis, where he is now Kent’s first ambassador for both.
“I’ve learned that it wasn’t sport I didn’t like - it was the environments I found myself in,” he said. “I’ve made it my mission to create safe and inclusive spaces for sport across Kent.”
Jordan hopes that seeing local Pride teams taking part will encourage others in the community to get involved. “Visibility is key,” he added. “The more our community is visible and involved in sport, the more it will inspire future generations.”
The event is expected to be the largest gathering of Pride organisations ever seen in Kent - something Jordan describes as both emotional and deeply rewarding.
“It makes me feel really proud and a little emotional,” he said. “Over the last few years I’ve worked really hard building relationships with Prides, venues, groups and charities across Kent, so seeing so many Prides get involved is really special.”
“This will be the single biggest collection of Prides Kent has ever seen - showing that we are stronger together.”
The involvement of Dame Kelly Holmes adds further significance to the event, bringing national sporting recognition to a grassroots LGBTQ+ initiative.
“It’s a huge honour,” Jordan said. “We’re thrilled to have Kelly involved. Having such a high-profile sports star - and someone who is part of the community - helps spread awareness around inclusive sport.”
He added that her presence could inspire the next generation of athletes. “We hope it inspires young people, or those who haven’t yet discovered their talent, to get involved in sport too.”
While the Rainbow Cup is at stake, organisers say the event’s wider impact is just as important as the competition itself.
“I’m hoping it inspires more of our community to get involved in sport, shows a united LGBTQ+ community across Kent, and reminds people that we are stronger together,” Jordan said.
“In an ever-changing political landscape, it’s also about being proud - and always being yourself.”
Tickets for the event are available online via the Julie Rose Stadium website.
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