MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sixteen Sydney athletes to represent Freezone Volleyball Club at Gay Games Valencia 2026
Sydney, Australia — [5 May 2026] — Freezone Volleyball Club has announced that 16 of its athletes will travel to Spain to compete in volleyball at the Gay Games Valencia 2026, one of the world’s largest inclusive sporting events.
Taking place from 27 June to 4 July 2026 in Valencia, the Gay Games will bring together more than 9,000 participants from over 70 countries, competing across dozens of sports in a global celebration of inclusion, participation and personal achievement.
The Freezone contingent reflects this spirit, with 16 players representing a cross-section of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community and our allies — ranging from first-time international competitors to experienced volleyballers.
Volleyball at the Games will be contested on a major international scale, featuring 148 teams across six days of competition, with more than 500 matches played across 13 indoor courts throughout Valencia. Teams compete across four graded divisions—AA/A (elite), BB (upper-intermediate), B (intermediate) and C (recreational) — ensuring accessibility and competitive balance for athletes of all levels.
The tournament begins with a two-and-a-half-day group stage, where teams are placed into pools and guaranteed multiple matches to determine rankings. This is followed by a double-elimination finals format, giving every team at least two playoff matches and ensuring an inclusive, high-participation competition structure.
“The Gay Games are about much more than competition,” said Andrew Wilmot, President at Freezone Volleyball Club. “They’re about showing up as you are, representing your community, and being part of a global movement built on inclusion, diversity and personal best.”
Unlike traditional elite competitions, the Gay Games are open to all participants without qualification requirements, emphasising accessibility and community over podium results.
The Sydney-based athletes have been preparing for the past 12 months through regular training, local competitions and interstate LGBTQ+ tournaments.
Their journey to Valencia highlights both the growth of inclusive sport in Australia and the ongoing importance of global events that create safe, visible spaces for LGBTQIA+ athletes.
Media enquiries
Andrew Wilmot
President.
E: president@freezonevolleyball.club
About Freezone Volleyball Club
Freezone Volleyball Club is an LGBTQIA+ inclusive volleyball club based in Sydney, Australia. The club provides social and competitive volleyball opportunities for adults of all skill levels, promoting fitness, friendship and community through sport.
