A group of Republicans are among those
welcoming the thousands of athletes and fans who have descended on
Cleveland and neighboring Akron for Gay Games 9.
President Barack Obama helped open the
quad-annual event, described as a celebration of sport and culture.
Appearing on The Q's large screen on Saturday, Obama told the crowd
assembled for the games' opening ceremonies that the “United States
stands with you and your human rights.”
(Related: Obama
helps open Gay Games 9.)
Rob Frost, chairman of the Cuyahoga
County Republicans, told The
Plain Dealer that his group will be handing out red water
bottles with the word “refreshing” on them and the GOP logo at
its booth at the games.
“We hope people do find it
refreshing,” Frost told the paper on Sunday. “What a great
opportunity with the Gay Games coming to Cleveland to welcome the
athletes and fans, not just to the Gay Games and not just to
Cleveland, but to welcome gays and lesbians to the Republican Party.”