Nearly 3,000 LGBTQ+ Athletes Gather for Stonewall Sports National Tournament

Nearly 3,000 LGBTQ+ athletes and allies are expected to gather in Virginia Beach this weekend as Stonewall Sports holds its 12th National Tournament, bringing together teams from across the United States.

Running from 22 to 25 October 2026, the event combines sporting competitions with social activities, giving participants opportunities to compete, reconnect with friends and meet people from other cities. The tournament is being organised in partnership with the Stonewall Sports Norfolk chapter.

Twelve sporting competitions across the weekend

This year's programme includes 12 sporting tournaments and exhibitions, with activities ranging from volleyball, kickball and dodgeball to bowling, billiards, pickleball and ultimate frisbee. Competitions take place across several venues, with the main sporting events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Friday's programme features additional activities, including a dodgeball showcase for women, transgender and non-binary participants. The weekend also includes social gatherings, themed parties and an awards celebration, making the event as much about community connections as sporting results.

How Stonewall Sports became a national organisation

Stonewall Sports was founded in Washington, DC, in 2010 and has expanded to 28 cities across 20 states. Its recreational leagues provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and allies to participate in sport, whether they are experienced competitors or simply interested in meeting others through shared activities.

The organisation also operates a Player Assistance Fund, offering reduced registration fees or waivers to participants experiencing financial difficulties. The initiative aims to make national events more accessible, recognising that travel and competition costs can otherwise prevent people from taking part.

Virginia Beach welcomes LGBTQ+ teams

The 2026 tournament introduces participants from across the country to Virginia Beach and the wider Hampton Roads region, with local organisers coordinating sporting venues and social events throughout the weekend.

For Stonewall Sports, the tournament represents an opportunity to celebrate the growth of its national network while strengthening friendships between local chapters. With thousands of participants expected, the event demonstrates the continued popularity of LGBTQ+ grassroots sport and the communities developing around it.

More information: Stonewall Sports National Tournament