People who question the need for an accepting space for gay sports competitors need only look to the Olympics.  

Of the 10,500 taking part, 14 are known to be gay or lesbian : Matthew Mitcham (Australia, diving); Edward Gal (Netherlands, equestrian); Lisa Raymond (U.S., doubles tennis); Judith Arndt(Germany, cycling); Seimone Augustus (U.S., basketball); Imke Duplitzer (Germany, fencing); Megan Rapinoe (U.S. soccer); Marilyn Agliotti (Netherlands, field hockey); Maartje Paumen (Netherlands, field hockey); Natalie Cook (Australia, beach volleyball); Alexandra Lacrabère (France, handball); Jessica Landström (Sweden, soccer); and Carole Péon (France, triathlon) and Jessica Harrison (France, triathlon). Other numbers .....

26 – Number of sports
302 – Number of medal events
204 – Number of nations participating
10,500 – Estimated number of athletes taking part

8.8m – Number of tickets
1.34 per cent - Quantity of actual gold in a gold medal. The rest is copper.

10,000 – Temporary toilets (enough to service Malta)
5,000 – Capacity of the canteen in the Olympic village
14m – Meals will be served during the Olympic and Paralympic Games