Amsterdam Drag Olympics mixes sport, drag and Pride

Amsterdam's Drag Olympics brought drag queens and kings together on Friday for high-heel racing, handbag tossing and other contests as the city hosts WorldPride.

Organisers House of Hopelezz, Amsterdam's oldest drag community, said the 22nd annual event is the world's largest sporting event dedicated to drag queens and kings.

Competitors, ranging from professional drag performers to newer participants, faced five events: the high-heel race, handbag toss, tug-of-war, volleyball and hula hoop. Organisers welcomed about 10 contestants from the Netherlands, Ireland, Morocco, Russia, France, Mexico and Iran.

Jennifer Hopelezz, founder of the House of Hopelezz, said the event had grown each year with more spectators and competitors. She also said there was “a bit of a shadow over Pride” after a deadly attack on Berlin's Gay Pride, but that participants were determined to be visible and celebrate Pride.

Amsterdam's Pride canal parade was held on Saturday and was attended by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. WorldPride festivities in the city are continuing for another week.