CLEVELAND — President Barack Obama has helped kick off the international *** Games in Cleveland with a surprise video message shown at the opening ceremonies.

Obama welcomed athletes, coaches, families and spectators from around the ***** to Ohio and the United States as the event began Saturday night.

The president said the United States has come a long way in its commitment to equal rights for *******, ***, ******** and transgender people. He also noted that some athletes come from places where publicly acknowledging their ****** orientation can put them at risk.

He affirmed the United States’ commitment to standing “with you and for your ************.”

Performers Lance Bass and the Pointer Sisters also helped kick off the weeklong games. About 8,000 people are registered to participate.