President Obama delivers surprise video address at International Gay Games kickoff

President Obama delivers surprise video address at International Gay Games kickoff
(Image credit: Mike Theiler-Pool/Getty Images)

President Barack Obama appeared on the big screen at the Quicken Loans Arena, in Cleveland, as the International Gay Games' opening ceremonies kicked off on Saturday.

"Since 1982, the Gay Games have given lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender athletes and supporters around the world a chance to come together to compete, celebrate, and inspire others," he says in the video. "It's been remarkable to see the Games thrive over the years. We've come a long way in our commitment to the equal rights of LGBT people here (in America) and around the world."

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Sarah Eberspacher

Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.