More Than Just a Game: Why the Kent Pride Games Matter
Breaking Down Barriers: Creating Welcoming Spaces in Sport
The world of sports has long been a place where many LGBTQ+ individuals have faced exclusion and prejudice. Jordan Chan, founder of Queer Kent Life and Kent Cricket Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Ambassador, knows this reality firsthand. His experiences inspired him to create spaces where everyone feels welcome. The Kent Pride Games aim to oppose the history of marginalisation by delivering an open, encouraging environment for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies alike. The event is designed to foster visibility, respect, and participation in sports across the county.
Uniting Kent’s Diverse LGBTQ+ Communities
Bringing together 13 Pride groups from across Kent including Sheppey, Herne Bay, Ramsgate, Maidstone, Broadstairs, Margate, and Medway, the Kent Pride Games stand as a symbol of unity and strength. This gathering forms a vibrant display of solidarity amid a challenging climate for LGBTQ+ rights. Friendly competition for the Rainbow Cup provides a fun, motivating focus, while the event overall promotes a message of community cohesion and mutual support.
What to Expect: A Day of Sport, Spectacle, and Solidarity
The Sporting Challenge: Competing for the Rainbow Cup
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, athletes and teams will face a variety of sports day activities at Ashford’s Julie Rose Stadium. The event offers a welcoming atmosphere where skill, camaraderie, and fun come together. Participating Pride groups compete with enthusiasm for the Rainbow Cup and a £250 cash prize awarded to the winning team. From sprint races to team relays and inclusive challenges, the Games ensure accessibility to all abilities and ages.
Beyond the Track: Entertainment and Community Hub
The Kent Pride Games extend beyond sports, featuring a festive programme to engage attendees throughout the day. Visitors can enjoy lively drag performances, a tribute act to pop icon Charlie XCX, and a DJ playing inclusive, upbeat music. Community stalls will showcase local businesses and organisations, while a celebratory parade around the track will bring all participants and supporters together in a joyful procession. Families and friends alike will find a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates pride and togetherness.
Star Power: Dame Kelly Holmes Joins the Celebration
Adding prestige to the event, Dame Kelly Holmes, two-time Olympic gold medallist and respected sports ambassador, will serve as a judge during the Games. Her involvement highlights the growing recognition of inclusivity in sports and signals strong support from prominent figures. With ties to the region, Dame Kelly Holmes’s presence will inspire participants and spectators alike, showcasing the important role of sport in bringing communities together.
The Visionary Behind the Games: Jordan Chan and Queer Kent Life
From Personal Experience to Pioneering Community Action
Jordan Chan’s journey from experiencing exclusion in sports to becoming a community leader is central to the spirit of the Kent Pride Games. As founder of Queer Kent Life and Kent Cricket Foundation’s first LGBTQ+ ambassador, Jordan has championed LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in local sports. He is also behind the creation of the Invicta Icons, Kent’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive cricket team. His dedication reflects a personal mission to build welcoming spaces where queer individuals can thrive both on and off the field.
Building an Inclusive Future for Kent’s LGBTQ+ Sport
Jordan envisions the Kent Pride Games as the beginning of a lasting legacy for LGBTQ+ sports inclusion in the county. The event aims to inspire ongoing participation, raise awareness, and foster partnerships across Kent’s communities and sporting bodies. By promoting acceptance and breaking down barriers, the Games seek to ensure that future generations experience sport as a field of opportunity and happiness.
Get Involved: How to Be Part of History
Event Details: Date, Time, Location, and Tickets
The inaugural Kent Pride Games will take place on Saturday, 27 June 2026, from 12pm until 9pm at the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults, while children under 16 attend for free, making it an affordable day out for families. Tickets can be purchased online via the official Kent Pride Games website and at select community outlets throughout Kent.
Supporting the Movement: More Than Just Attendance
Beyond attending the event, local businesses, community organisations, and individuals are encouraged to show support by sponsoring activities, volunteering, or setting up stalls. Allies are welcome to join the celebration by promoting inclusion and helping to create a warm environment. Volunteering opportunities are available and provide a meaningful way to contribute to this historic moment for Kent.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Kent Pride Games
The Kent Pride Games represent a first chapter for both Ashford and the wider Kent LGBTQ+ community. Hosting such an inclusive, high-profile event at the Julie Rose Stadium not only elevates the town’s reputation for embracing diversity but also sets a precedent for future initiatives. The Games are poised to leave a lasting impression, encouraging greater participation in LGBTQ+ sports and fostering a county-wide culture of acceptance, respect, and celebration.
As Kent prepares to welcome athletes, families, and supporters on June 27, the excitement is building for what promises to be a day filled with joy, unity, and pride. This event marks more than a competition — it is a heartbeat of community spirit, shining a spotlight on the power of sport to bring people together across boundaries and differences.
