It marks the first time that Pride House will be directly affiliated and hosted by a National Olympic Committee - in this case the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC).

The partnership between the COC and Pride House International (PHI) is described by the former as being unique, and is said to celebrate, on a more meaningful scale than ever before, their shared values of inclusion, diversity, and respect.

The first-ever Pride House was based in Canada during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, where it opened up its doors to LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning) athletes, fans, and their allies from all over the world.

Since then, Pride House has made its mark at numerous large-scale sporting events, including the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro and the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. 

Glasgow 2014 also developed a house following community consultation and it remained open throughout the last edition of the Commonwealth Games.

This year’s Commonwealth Games host Gold Coast will also follow suit. 

"The COC stands behind its commitment of inclusion and diversity in the global sport landscape," Chris Overholt, chief executive and secretary general of the COC, said.

"We recognise that diversity is our greatest strength.

"Inclusion is the very foundation of what makes the heart of Team Canada.

"By hosting Pride House in our Canada Olympic House, we are extending our warmest welcome to all from every corner of the world to celebrate 'Be Olympic'.

"Team Canada is proud to embrace its diversity at Canada House, which includes a sign at the front door, welcoming all and knows that as a team, we are stronger when we celebrate our differences."

PHI trustee Keph Senett added: "There is much to be celebrated in this historic partnership.

"It’s the first time a Pride House has come to Asia, and it’s the first time a National Olympic Committee has officially embraced the Pride House concept.

"The fact that it is the Canadian Olympic Committee that has announced its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and participation is extra meaningful as Pride House was originally a Canadian idea."

Fans who would like to visit the Canada Olympic House are encouraged to visit the dedicated website here and purchase tickets prior to Pyeongchang 2018, which is scheduled to begin later today with the Opening Ceremony.  

Family and friends of athletes and other affiliated groups can register before the Games, via the site, as well.

With a limited inventory of tickets available, fans are being urged to act quickly.

A ceremonial opening of the Canada Olympic House was held on Wednesday (February 7). 

The House will officially be open to fans tomorrow. 

In August of last year, Japanese LGBT organisation the Good Aging Yells expressed its intention to establish a Pride House for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The organisation hopes to establish the house to boost diversity at the Games.