The Gay Games promote equality for all people, especially gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people from all over the world, and are open for anyone to compete.

"The UK is currently bidding for the Gay Games in 2018 in London which could give us something to cheer on that year, and I wish them every luck," said Cameron.

London will compete against Amsterdam, Limerick, Orlando and Paris to host the 10th Gay Games, with the 2014 event being held in the American cities of Cleveland and Akron in Ohio.

"There should be no limit to London's legacy ambitions" said Johnson

"The capital's bid to host the Gay Games in 2018 is another example of that drive.

"Twenty Twelve has given us the belief to build a positive cornucopia of world-class sporting events."

Prime Minister David Cameron (right) and Mayor of London Boris Johnson (left) have expressed their support for London's bid to host the 2018 Gay Games

In December 2012, it was announced that London's bid to Games could include venues on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, including the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre built for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

A decision is expected to be made soon on whether Olympic venues would be used for the Gay Games in 2018, as bid books are to be submitted to the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) on February 28.

Equalities Minister Helen Grant has said that the Government "stands ready to facilitate discussions if necessary" with regards to using London 2012 venues for the Gay Games.

The Gay Games began with 1,350 athletes from 12 nations in San Francisco in 1982 and have taken place every four years since.

The Games are expected to host around 12,000 competitors from 70 nations in 2014, as the event continues to grow rapidly.

If London is to win the bid for the 2018 Gay Games, it will be the first time that the UK has held the Games, with San Francisco, Vancouver, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, Chicago and Cologne all previously hosting the event.

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