The Countdown has Begun to July 31, 2010

World’s LGBT-athletes and cultural participants will gather in Cologne in one Year for Gay Games VIII

Cologne, Germany, July 31, 2009 – Today the countdown clock in the “gay village” in Cologne, Germany, reads “365 days to go” as the city and its LGBT community gets ready to welcome the world for the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. Positioned on the building above "Ex-Corner", one of Cologne’s most famous gay bars, the clock has been counting down for more than a year, reminding visitors and residents alike that Cologne will host the 8th Gay Games.

Click HERE for the one year away article on the Cologne web site!

Heute sind es nur noch 365 Tage bis zu den Kölner Gay GamesHeute in einem Jahr starten die VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010 mit einer großen Eröffnungsfeier im RheinEnergieStadion. 12.000 Menschen werden erwartet. Mehr als 10% haben sich jetzt schon angemeldet.

Informiert euch hier über den aktuellen Stand der Vorbereitungen!

34 runners in SPAR road race in Durban!

A message from organizer and TOGS delegate to the FGG Hlengiwe Buthelezi, following the July 26 SPAR ladies 5k/10k in Durban. Registration was made possible thanks to donations coordinated by Kate Rowe from International Front Runners and various individual FGG board members.

I am very happy. All participants send their enormous gratitude to all the people who put their efforts in making that day as brilliantly happy as it was. What an awesome/fun day we had! What raises my joy even more is the fact that some of these women who entered this race for the first time are already asking me when is the next one. Mind you these are not even runners nor sport fanatics........

Below are highlights

I had a turnout of 67 people on the day (lesbians & gays). But only 34 of us took part in the race.

We discussed:

* The regular participation in sports, including the Gay Games

* The need for us to fundraise = We need guidance in this regard

* The need to have a sport body that caters for LGBT athletes to accommodate everyone

* Acquiring sustainable sporting environment,etc, etc..........

The sports we participate in are:

Athletics

Soccer

Netball (Gays)

Volley Ball

Rugby

We are always grateful.

Hlengs

Gay Games IX 2014 Site Inspections

From http://gaygamesblog.blogspot.com

FGG is conducting site inspections with each of the three candidates bidding to host Gay Games IX in 2014: Boston, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C.

The Site Inspections will be held on:

• 31 July – 3 August in Cleveland
• 4 – 7 August in Boston
• 8 – 11 August in Washington, D.C.

During the inspections, members of FGG's Site Selection Committee will visit all the venues, meet with the bidding organisation, and attend community events.

On 29 September 2009, the Host for Gay Games IX 2014 will be selected during the FGG Annual Meeting in Cologne, Germany.

For more information about the bids from each of the candidates cities, see www.gaygames.com/en/bids .

FGG Ambassador Billie Jean King named for top US honor

Tennis star and Gay Games Ambassador Billie Jean King has been awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Other recipients include US Senator Edward Kennedy, Nobel-winning physicist Stephen Hawking, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the late congressman and housing secretary Jack Kemp, anti-apartheid leader Desmond Tutu, civil rights leaders Joseph Lowery, gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk, and actors Sidney Poitier and Chita Rivera.

From the presidential citation, which can be read in full HERE:

Billie Jean King was an acclaimed professional tennis player in the 1960s and 1970s, and has helped champion gender equality issues not only in sports, but in all areas of public life. King beat Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match, then the most viewed tennis match in history. King became one of the first openly lesbian major sports figures in America when she came out in 1981. Following her professional tennis career, King became the first woman commissioner in professional sports when she co-founded and led the World Team Tennis (WTT) League. The U.S. Tennis Association named the National Tennis Center, where the US Open is played, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2006.

Click HERE to read a wonderful SF Examiner article.

BBC World Service asks: "Do gay people still need separate events?"

BBC Radio Host Madeleine Morris

It seems the education of the media is still very important. In the BBC World Service show "World Have Your Say", several people were interviewed about the need for LGBT sports competitions. The host was very friendly, but she clearly did not have any background on the Gay Games Movement.

Fortunately, Lou Hart, Roger Brigham, Kelly Stevens, Dan Woog, and Pat Griffin were part of the show and able to demonstrate the continuing need for LGBT sports, and for major events such as the Gay Games.

Read the WHYS blog and comments on the show HERE.

The audio presentation is just under 34 minutes including a break for BBC News.

John Amaechi at Copenhagen conference

FGG Ambassador John Amaechi was the keynote speaker at the opening session of the Outgames human rights conference, and presented a great workshop with Amnesty International on sport and human rights. In the photo above, from left to right: EGLSF co-president Pepe Garcia Vazquez, John Amaechi, FGG co-president Emy Ritt, Homosport.nl director Bas Koopers, and EGLSF's Tatiana Eggeling.

Workshop at Copenhagen conference

Thanks to the more than 30 participants in the FGG workshop on the future of LGBT sports and culture events in Copenhagen, for their passion and their patience. Minutes and an action plan will be distributed soon.

Thanks, of course, to our hosts at Outgames 2009 and to the representatives of GLISA, EGSLF, and clubs from four continents who made this event possible.

(Photo shows Buck Broker presenting Team Berlin's 15-meter-long petition for a single international quadrennial event.)

Statement from Federation of Gay Games concerning Attacks on LGBT athletes in Copenhagen

Statement from Federation of Gay Games concerning attacks on LGBT athletes in Copenhagen

“We condemn the violent attacks against LGBT athletes and spectators during the OutGames taking place this week in Copenhagen, Denmark. This week we are all Copenhageners and we stand in solidarity with OutGames organizers and the very gay-friendly people of Copenhagen against this kind of violence.

Our thoughts are with the runner injured by the explosive devices at the Track Stadium today and the people who were attacked on Sunday. We are pleased to hear that all injuries have been minor and that runner will still likely be able to compete. We extend our full support to all the participants at the OutGames.

Copenhagen has a reputation as one of the most LGBT friendly places on earth. Even there, we are reminded that our community still faces those that would deny us our basic human rights, even the freedom to run in a track meet in safety. But we will not be discouraged; rather, we will run, swim, jump, throw, grapple, volley and perform at events like the Gay Games and OutGames, celebrating our right to love who we want.”

Media coverage of the two incidents:

http://ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=4091
http://www.cphpost.dk/news/crime/155-crime/46396-gay-attack-isolated-incident.html
http://www.outandaboutnewspaper.com/article/3605
http://politiken.dk/newsinenglish/article759119.ece

About The Federation of Gay Games:
The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best”™. The Gay Games were conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and were first held in San Francisco in 1982.

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What are the Gay Games?

Many journalists are writing articles about the 2014 bidding cities for the Gay Games and the 2010 Cologne Gay Games. Each time a new journalist asks basic questions about the Gay Games, we send them a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Below is the first question and answer.

You can find the full list on the Gay Games Web site. The FAQ link is at the top. http://www.gaygames.com/


What are the Gay Games?

The Gay Games, unlike the Olympic Games, enable people from all walks of life to compete against each other regardless of skill level, age or physical challenge.

The first Gay Games took place in 1982 in San Francisco, bringing together 1,350 athletes from a dozen countries. The Games have been held every four years since in world-class cities. Gay Games VII in Chicago in 2006 attracted 11,500 participants from 70 countries. The Gay Games are one of the world's largest amateur athletic events.

The Gay Games are the legacy of Dr. Tom Waddell, a decathlon competitor for the U.S. in the 1968 Olympics. Waddell conceived of the Games as an opportunity for gays and lesbians to show the world that their skills and competitive spirit were equal to the rest of humanity. He wanted to promote better understanding through sport.

The Games define winning as achieving one's personal best. Anyone can participate, regardless of ability, age, sexual orientation, race, gender, nationality, political or religious beliefs, ethnic origins, or HIV status. Athletes represent their cities and not their countries.

Built upon the principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™, for more than 25 years the Gay Games have empowered tens of thousands of LGBT artists and athletes through fellowship and friendly competition.

Be Part of It!
Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010
www.games-cologne.com

The Future of LGBT Sport & Culture

Special thanks to the organisers of Outgames Copenhagen for their very gracious invitation to participate in this conference.

To update you all on the logistics of the conference, for any participants are not able to attend the session at 15:30, there will be a "PART 2" session directly afterwards starting at approximately 18:00. We will meet just outside the IT building.

If you have a written statement to present, feel free to send it via email for presentation during Part 1. If your organisation would like to meet with FGG at a different time, please let us know and we'll work something out.

FGG Conference Session
DATE: Monday, 27 July 2009
TIME: 15:30 - 17:00
LOCATION: IT University of Copenhagen
ADDRESS: Rued Langgaards Vej 7DK
ROOM: ITU Level 3 - room 1

1. Discuss status of international LGBT Sport and Culture events

• What are your views of the quadrennial international LGBT Sport and Cultural events schedule ?
• What changes, if any, would your organisation like to propose ?
• What is the ideal calendar, frequency, and geographic location of events for your organisation ?
• What role are you or your organisation able to play in implementing any proposed changes ?
• ...any other questions, issues, comments…
  

2. Session participants are invited to provide feedback, suggestions, and scenarios with a forward-looking, practical and positive focus.

3. A summary of session will be compiled and distributed to participants and community

4. Further community discussions during 2009 & 2010

5. Review session planned for 30 July 2010 in Cologne

6. Written comments and feedback can also be posted at: http://lgbtsportsfuture.wordpress.com/

Thanks to all session participants for their support and presence. A summary of the conference will be made available as soon as possible.

Emy Ritt & Kurt Dahl
Co-Presidents, FGG
eritt@gaygames.org, kdahl@gaygames.org

FGG@WOG

FGG board members Emy Ritt (co-president, Paris), Sean Fitzgerald (secretary, Atlanta), Marc Naimark (sports officer, Paris), and Martyn Pickup (member at large, Berlin).

No fewer than four FGG board members are now in Copenhagen at Outgames 2009. Some will be competing, while others have responded to the invitation of Outgames organizers to hold a workshop on the future of LGBT sport and culture events (info HERE from Outgames website or HERE from our blog). The workshop will be held tomorrow, Monday July 27 at 15.30, and will be followed by an informal session that will welcome those unable to attend the conference session in the afternoon.

Two golds, a silver and two bronzes for Andrew Langenfeld

Andrew's on his way home from the 18th Maccabiah, where he won two bronze medals (50m freestyle and 200m butterfly), a silver (100m butterfly), and two golds (400m relays, freestyle and medley) in swimming. Congratulations to Andrew, and now you can start training for Gay Games VIII!

A Tribute to Gay Games Bidders

On 29 September 2009, in Cologne, Germany, the General Assembly of the Federation of Gay Games will select the Host of Gay Games IX 2014. As this date approaches, we are reminded of the courage, efforts, and resources required by bidders to participate in the Gay Games Site Selection process.

Although it is a joyous occasion for the organisation selected to host the Gay Games, we recognise the disappointment felt by those not chosen, and heartily applaud all candidates for having believed in the Gay Games with the strength and passion required to bid and host this life-changing event. Beyond the bidders’ commitment to the Gay Games, we are particularly grateful for the increased visibility to LGBT sport and culture that their efforts have provided.

Over the last three decades, the Gay Games has been very fortunate to have had many bidders from all over the world step forward to participate in the Site Selection process. We believe that any of these bids would have resulted in a successful Gay Games, and are especially moved by those organisations that chose to return to the bidding process a second and third time with even better proposals.

Without the support of bidders, the Gay Games would not be the premier LGBT international multisport and cultural festival that we know today. Therefore, it seems only fitting to pay tribute to all Gay Games Bidders and to salute them for being key contributors to the almost 30-year Gay Games movement.

To show our appreciation to those who have heeded the call to "take the flame", we invite a representative from each of the past Gay Games Bidding Organisations to join us in Cologne on 31 July 2010, at the Gay Games VIII Opening Ceremony and VIP Reception. FGG will award a Gay Games Medal of Honour to each organisation as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. This award is not only for the efforts and sacrifice of bidders in support of the Gay Games movement, but also for their longstanding cooperation and loyalty over the years.

We will be in contact with each of the Bidding Organisations to provide more details. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you all in Cologne at GGVIII !

Emy Ritt & Kurt Dahl
FGG Co-Presidents
On behalf of FGG Board of Directors



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History of Gay Games Bidding
GG1-San Francisco (No bidding)
GG2-San Francisco (No bidding)
GG3-Vancouver (No bidding)
GG4-New York, Sydney
GG5-Amsterdam, Atlanta, Sydney
GG6-Dallas, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Montreal, Sydney, Toronto
GG7-Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal
GG8-Cologne, Johannesburg, Paris
GG9-Boston, Cleveland, Washington, D.C.

Chris Morgan profile on Real Jock

Chris Morgan is the current Gay Games Powerlifting Champion, but a year of injury and illness had put his title, and even his career, in doubt. Now he has won a bronze medal at the European Drug Free Championships, lifting 580 kilos in the course of the event and successfully qualifying for the World Championships later this year. In addition to being an inspirational gay athlete and proud role-model within the community, Chris is also a long-time RealJock friend, so we‘d like to congratulate him, and hope that this signals a permanent comeback.

Read more HERE.

A Tribute to Gay Games Bidders

A Tribute to Gay Games Bidders

On 29 September 2009, in Cologne, Germany, the General Assembly of the Federation of Gay Games will select the Host of Gay Games IX 2014. As this date approaches, we are reminded of the courage, efforts, and resources required by bidders to participate in the Gay Games Site Selection process.

Although it is a joyous occasion for the organisation selected to host the Gay Games, we recognise the disappointment felt by those not chosen, and heartily applaud all candidates for having believed in the Gay Games with the strength and passion required to bid and host this life-changing event. Beyond the bidders’ commitment to the Gay Games, we are particularly grateful for the increased visibility to LGBT sport and culture that their efforts have provided.

Over the last three decades, the Gay Games has been very fortunate to have had many bidders from all over the world step forward to participate in the Site Selection process. We believe that any of these bids would have resulted in a successful Gay Games, and are especially moved by those organisations that chose to return to the bidding process a second and third time with even better proposals.

Without the support of bidders, the Gay Games would not be the premier LGBT international multisport and cultural festival that we know today. Therefore, it seems only fitting to pay tribute to all Gay Games Bidders and to salute them for being key contributors to the almost 30-year Gay Games movement.

To show our appreciation to those who have heeded the call to "take the flame", we invite a representative from each of the past Gay Games Bidding Organisations to join us in Cologne on 31 July 2010, at the Gay Games VIII Opening Ceremony and VIP Reception. FGG will award a Gay Games Medal of Honour to each organisation as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. This award is not only for the efforts and sacrifice of bidders in support of the Gay Games movement, but also for their longstanding cooperation and loyalty over the years.

We will be in contact with each of the Bidding Organisations to provide more details. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you all in Cologne at GGVIII !

Emy Ritt & Kurt Dahl
On Behalf of FGG Board of Directors
eritt@gaygames.org, kdahl@gaygames.org

History of Gay Games Bidding
GG1-San Francisco (No bidding)
GG2-San Francisco (No bidding)
GG3-Vancouver (No bidding)
GG4-New York, Sydney
GG5-Amsterdam, Atlanta, Sydney
GG6-Dallas, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Montreal, Sydney, Toronto
GG7-Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal
GG8-Cologne, Johannesburg, Paris
GG9-Boston, Cleveland, Washington, D.C.

Attention Chicago Gay Games fans!

One Year to Cologne!
2010 Gay Games Registration and Chicago 2006 Reunion Party
August 5, 2009 – 7 to 9 pm – Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted – Chicago

Join Team Chicago and Chicago’s LGBT sports and cultural organizations for a special “one year to go” party as Chicago’s LGBT community gears up for the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany (July 31 to August 2010).

Enjoy a hosted bar sponsored by Stoli and Hendrick’s Gin, watch the Chicago 2006 video, enter to win free prizes, and save 10 Euros on your Cologne 2010 sports or culture when you register on site (computers available). Local representatives of Cologne as well as Team Chicago organizers will be on hand to answer questions. This is a Chicago 2006 reunion party as well, so wear your Chicago 2006 medals, shirts, and bring your teammates and friends who volunteered. There’s no cost to attend. For more info on Cologne 2010, visit www.games-cologne.com.

Pride Meet a success

The 3rd Pride Meet organized by SF Track & Field was a great success. Congrats to all involved! Thanks to Jim Provenzano for this photo.

Results online soon HERE.

Thanks to Garrett Hayashida for this photo:

International FrontRunners support Durban runners

Thanks to IFR who have made a substantial contribution toward the registration fees of the LEXIS runners organized by Hlengiwe Buthelezi! Along with contributions organized by the FGG, the 40 runners will be able to compete. More later!

World Games underway

The 8th World Games, organized under the aegis of the International World Games Association and in collaboration with GAISF, the "Olympics" for non-Olympic sports from IOC-recognized federations, have just opened in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The sports program includes 26 official sports, plus 5 invitational sports. Over 3000 athletes from some 90 countries will be competing. The international Federation of Gay Games wishes athletes and organizers good luck for successful and enjoyable games!

More info HERE.

Veryfriendly.fr calls for participant-reporters from Gay Games VIII

The new French LGBT webmagazine Very Friendly is calling on participants at Gay Games VIII to become field reporters sharing their experiences.
More info HERE.

Pride Meet today!

A message from FGG member SF Track and Field:

The Pride Track & Field Meet is designed to provide athletes of all sexual orientations with an opportunity to compete together in a welcoming environment. We proudly serve both the LGBT sport community and the general track & field community.

More info HERE.

Gay and Lesbian People Love Social Networking

You are reading this blog, so you're doing some "social networking". We all love being social, and networking is vital to our lives.

A new survey by Witeck-Combs Communication and Harris Interactive appears to show that LGBT people are more connected through social networking like blogs, FaceBook, and MySpace than heterosexual people in the same demographics.

A web site called "demo dirt" which reports demographic data, trends, and intelligence has an interesting article about this report. Click HERE for the article.

Click HERE for the PDF original of the press release from Witeck-Combs.

40 runners to compete in Gay Games warm-up in Durban

FGG delegate from TOGS Hlengiwe Buthelezi leads a group called LEXIT which is organizing the participation of 40 women in the SPAR ladies 10k road race in Durban, South Africa on July 26.

The women participating hope to compete in a variety of sports at Gay Games VIII, and are using this race as a team-building event that will raise visibility for their goal to come to Cologne.

Thanks to a few generous donors, the registration fees for all runners have been paid. Hlengiwe has just sent this message:

"On behalf of LEXIT and myself we would like to thank the FGG very much for funding the Spar Ladies entry fees. All the girls are very much excited about this race. I will keep you posted on things as we go along. Thank you a million times!"

It will take a good deal more to bring all these young women to Cologne. Your help is greatly appreciated! Please support the FGG scholarship program!

Click Here.

SF Pride Track & Field this weekend!

A message from FGG member SF Track and Field:

The Pride Track & Field Meet is designed to provide athletes of all sexual orientations with an opportunity to compete together in a welcoming environment. We proudly serve both the LGBT sport community and the general track & field community.

More info HERE.

Best wishes to 18th Maccabiah

Tonight is the opening ceremony for the 18th Maccabiah, an international multisport event that takes place every four years in Israel. We wish the organizers and athletes of the Maccabiah good luck for great games over the next ten days.

The FGG shares with the Maccabiah the values of sport for all, sport as a tool against discrimination and exclusion, and sport as an affirmation of the human spirit. Like the Maccabiah, the Gay Games welcome athletes of all ages and every level, including Olympic medal winners in their sport, with serious competition in a joyous community-oriented environment.

The FGG would like to take this opportunity to invite all athletes competing in the Maccabiah to Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany, which welcomes athletes and artists of all ages and abilities, men and women, gay and straight.

Good luck to Andrew Langenfeld

Andrew, a founder of "Our Group", will be swimming in the 18th Maccabiah which open tomorrow. Good luck to Andrew and all the other athletes competing this week.

"Koeln Taler" (Cologne Coins) support Gay Games VIII

From the beginning of July 2009, bakeries in Cologne will be supporting the "Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010" with the new "Cologne Coins"®.

In the future, "Gay Games VIII, Cologne 2010" will be represented at the bakeries of Cologne on red and white shortbread coin cookies! The sale of the "Cologne Coins" started with the Cologne Pride on 3 July 2009. The red and white "Cologne Coins" are decorated with a wafer displaying the logo of Games Cologne. By purchasing and using these edible coins, the bakeries of the bakers' guild not only support the Gay Games in a symbolic way, but also financially. For each coin sold, the organizers will receive a small remuneration. The presentation and premiere sale will take place at the traditional bakery Zimmermann on Ehrenstraße; further bakeries are to follow.

The bakers of Cologne as well as the team members of the Gay Games Cologne are happy about this combined promotion: The bakeries will also continue offering the "Cologne Coins" after the CSD 2009 and will thereby help to advertise the next Gay Games Cologne in 2010. This sweet and tasty pastry with its classical and traditional colors of red and white will also be available as Cologne pastry after the games.

The future of LGBT sport

FGG CONFERENCE SESSION in COPENHAGEN
TOPIC: The Future of LGBT Sport & Culture
DATE: Monday, 27 July 2009
TIME: 15:30 - 17:00
OPEN TO ALL - ALL ARE WELCOME

1. Discuss status of international LGBT Sport and Culture events

• What is your view of the current International LGBT Sport and Cultural events schedule ?
• What changes, if any, would your organisation like to propose ?
• From 2011 onwards, what is the ideal calendar of events for your organisation ?
• What role are you or your organisation able to play in implementing any proposed changes ?

2. Present scenarios proposed by session participants
3. Continue discussions during 2010
4. Schedule a follow-up conference during GGVIII in Cologne

We look forward to seeing you!

ADDRESS of FGG CONFERENCE:
LOCATION: IT University of Copenhagen

ADDRESS: Rued Langgaards Vej 7DK
ROOM: ITU Level 3 - room 1

Gay footballers battle for world domination

From CNN:

LONDON, England (CNN) -- One year before the FIFA World Cup kicks off, 26 teams of gay and lesbian footballers are battling for global supremacy in the Gay Soccer World Championships.

Co-ordinated by the International Gay & Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA), the tournament, which began on Sunday, is being hosted by the Federal Triangles club in Washington D.C., and supported by the local Major League Soccer (MLS) side D.C. United.

IGLFA spokesman Michael Pranikoff told CNN that the competition has been running annually since 1992.

"We started very small. There were just a few clubs from around the world. But we have gone from strength to strength. Last year the tournament was in London and sanctioned by the Football Association."

Pranikoff said there are no professional players involved, but the standard of play is strong and the teams in the top divisions are very competitive.

Although the tournament involves club sides -- rather than national teams, there is still a strong international feel with players from the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Argentina, Italy, and Norway all taking part.

The London Stonewall Lions are the reigning champions in the men's division and expected to figure in Sunday's final at Trinity Washington University, he said.

Despite the competitive nature of the event, Pranikoff said there are also less serious divisions where there is a more important message.

"When you are on the pitch it's all about the game. But it's also about providing an environment where people can be free to be who they are.

"It's a lot about camaraderie too. There are a lot of places in the world where gays and lesbians aren't accepted."

So, is the competition restricted to only gay and lesbian players?

Not at all, said Pranikoff. "It's very open, we don't discriminate."

He said gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and heterosexual players were all welcome to play.

Pranikoff said he is happy with how the 2009 event is unfolding, despite numbers being slightly down on what was expected -- due to the effects of the recession, swine flu and the upcoming Out Games in Denmark which has made attending the football tournament unaffordable for some teams.

"This year we didn't have as big a global turnout as we hoped for but there have been a lot of challenges -- so we're pleased to have 26 teams here."

Outside of organizing the current world championships, the IGLFA has also been involved in helping other organizations at stamping out homophobia, Pranikoff said

DC rally for Gay Games IX bid

A message from Metropolitan Washington Gaymes. Please note that this is presented for information purposes and does not imply any support for a particular bidder for Gay Games IX.

"I'M GAME 2014"
DC Rally to Host Gay Games IX

Monday, August 10, 2009
7:30pm - 10:30pm
Stead Park (17th and P Streets, NW)
1625 P Street, NW, Washington, DC

Help us welcome the Site Selection Committee to DC.

Join Metropolitan Washington Gaymes, Team DC athletes, artists, performers, cheerleaders, sports supporters, DC City officials, surprise celebrity guests and all your friends under the celestial bodies for a big gay rally for Washington’s chance to bring 12,000 athletes, 80,000 visitors, 15 cultural events and eight days of sports competitions to Washington DC in 2014. The event opens at 7:30.

A free screening of Hairspray is set to begin at sunset on a giant 20' x 40' outdoor screen.

See the Facebook Event Page

RSVP "Attending" to guarantee your name entered into on site raffle of fabulous prizes to be announced. Check back here for details.

Boston kickoff for Gay Games IX bid

A message from Boston 2014. Please note that this is presented for information purposes and does not imply any support for a particular bidder for Gay Games IX.

Come join us for our Gay Games Bid Kick-off rally. Celebrate Boston’s bid for 2014 Gay Games. Be a part of this historical moment.

Thursday Evening, August 6, 2009
The Estate
1 Boylston Place
Boston, MA

7:00 - 8:30pm

RSVP at: rsvp@boston2014.com

Facebook: facebook.com/boston2014

Party to support Cleveland bid for Gay Games IX

A message from Cleveland Synergy Foundation. Please note that this is presented for information purposes and does not imply any support for a particular bidder for Gay Games IX.

Dear Friends,

You’re invited to a global party.

It’s not just any party—it’s a celebration. A celebration all about why we love Cleveland, and why we’re proud to call Ohio home.

On July 31 at 8 P.M. at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Cleveland, the Cleveland Synergy Foundation is throwing the “Frivolity” community event, a free night of music, entertainment, and celebration. You’ll have exclusive access to the entire Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum—for free.

Why the party? The city of Cleveland is a finalist to host the 2014 Gay Games, a global event that promises to enhance the social and economic profile of Cleveland. But to win the world’s support, we need your support.

How can you be a part of this historic event? Simply show up and celebrate. It’s free—go to www.clevelandsynergyfoundation.org and print out your invitation.

This party promises to be THE EVENT of the summer, and you are invited. Come out and show your support for Cleveland as the host for the 2014 Gay Games.

You Rock. Cleveland Rocks. My Games Rock.

Be there.

Gay Games VIII - City Team Fact Sheet

Gay Games VIII
31 July to August 7, 2009

City Team Fact Sheet



Opening Ceremony: Saturday, 31 July 2010
· Evening event (start time still TBD). Planned running time is 2.5 hours.
· Takes place at RheinEnergieStadion, home of Cologne’s football (soccer) club.
· Team San Francisco enters first, then athletes enter by country alphabetically, and then by state and province for USA and Canada. Team Cologne is the last group to enter.
· USA athletes enter by U.S. state, alphabetically. Thus, Team Dallas and Team Houston enter together as part of Texas. Canadian athletes enter by Canadian province.
· Cologne will establish rules for what may be carried into the stadium with each city team (banners, signage, etc.). These rules have not yet been published. You can view Chicago’s rules online at http://www.gaygameschicago.org/ceremonies/lineup.php but keep in mind that Cologne’s rules may vary.
· Note: There is a cycling meeting (not a race) on Saturday, 31 July 2010.

Closing Ceremony: Saturday, 7 August 2010
· Typically an afternoon event (start time still TBD)
· The venue may be either the Gay Village in the city, or at Laxness Arena (a concert venue).
· Athletes enter all together to represent the new found friendships of people from around the world so no city banners or flags necessary.

2009 Promotional Event(s)
· One Year To Go Registration parties – 15 July to 15 August 2009
· 10 Euro Discount Code available for people who register at the event - cityteams09
· Resources available:
· Chicago 2006 DVD (to play)
· Chicago 2006 CDs (for drawings or giveaways)
· promotional materials
· Short Cologne Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3JHARCnUOA
· Matthew Mitcham Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjdiMwxjijY
· Artwork for any newspaper ads you place.
· In some cities, an FGG representative may be available to participate.
· Help with press release for local market, if needed.
· Contact Kevin Boyer at kevin.boyer@games-cologne.com to acquire materials.

Logos on Uniforms, Pins, Banners
· City Teams typically produce uniforms for athletes coming from their city. Uniforms vary from the very simple (t-shirts with same color and logo) to more complicated (shirts, jackets, track pants, caps, etc.)
· The Games Cologne and FGG logos can be incorporated into your City Team uniform and banners. In fact, we encourage it.
· The Federation of Gay Games will soon announce a simple process by which you can ask permission to use the FGG logo on your uniforms.
· Trading Pins cannot use the Games Cologne logo, but you may request permission to use the FGG logo.
· All logo usage needs to be approved.

Online Promotion
· Link back to Gay Games VIII at http://www.games-cologne.com/.
· No approval necessary to place the logo on your website.
· Buttons and banner ads (both GIF and Flash) are available online at http://www.games-cologne.de/en/static/take-part/banner#Buttons_GIF
· Professional “tourism” images of Cologne are available upon request from Kevin Boyer, kevin.boyer@games-cologme.com.

Print Materials for Events
· You may request postcards, brochures, posters and business-cards for promotional purposes.
· Vinyl banners are available for major events (they are to be returned and will be re-used by others.)
· To request materials, you can submit an online request at http://www.gaygames.com/en/marketing/ or contact Kevin Boyer at kevin.boyer@games-cologne.com.

Travel & Lodging for Cologne
· Air Travel: Fly into Cologne, Dusseldorf (40 minutes by train) or Frankfurt (1 hour by train). Continental, Delta, United, and Air Canada all have direct flights to Dusseldorf (1 or 2 stops on the way). Flights to Cologne are sometimes a bit more expensive and usually involve another stop or a 2nd airline but are also available. Frankfurt is a major hub and many airlines fly direct, sometimes nonstop from the USA or Canada.

· Airport Transfer: All three airports have train stations with trains going to central Cologne. Visit http://www.bahn.de/ for details and pricing for trains from Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. Cologne’s Stadtbahn light rail system connects the airport to the rest of the light rail system.
· Airline Discount: Cologne does not yet have an airline partner but expects to have one sometime this fall.

· Hotel Accommodations: Cologne’s official housing partner is HRS – Hotel Reservation Service. The system is already online and is very easy to use. http://www.games-cologne.de/en/cologne/accommodations

· Group Accommodations: Using the system, select 10 or more rooms for 10 or more adults and you’ll get a page with instructions on how to request group booking information. There is a form to complete, or you can email them at groups@hrs.de, or call them at +49 (0)18055 2077 300 or at +49 (0)221 2077-300.

· Hosted Housing: Cologne will have a hosted housing program. To be notified about the program, sign up for their e-newsletters. http://www.games-cologne.de/en/take-part/offer-accommodations

· Ground Transportation: Cologne has an excellent bus and rail system. Mass transit is available for access to all sports venues except for sailing, where Cologne is providing a shuttle. You should not rent a car to get around in Cologne but car rentals are available for day trips if you prefer.

City Team Events in Cologne
· Parties: Some city teams like to have an event in the city upon arrival or sometime during the week. Soon Cologne will post a list of bars, clubs and restaurants in Cologne at http://www.games-cologne.de/en/cologne/gay-cologne where you can choose a venue for a possible event.
· Meetings: Meeting rooms are available during the Gay Games. Contact Marc Naimark (mnaimark@gaygames.org) for details.

Communicating with Registered Participants
· Listserv: For the 2006 Gay Games, Chicago organizers and the FGG created a listserv system that allowed City Teams to send messages to registrants in their geographic area. These lists still exist and are in the process of being merged with Cologne’s registration data. A final solution is not yet in place but is expected soon. For the moment City Teams are likely to have access EITHER to the Cologne data or to both the Cologne and Chicago data. The contact for listserv information is Paul Oostenbrug, at poostenbrug@gaygames.org.
· The Chicago data lists are much larger than the Cologne lists will be at the beginning and would be a good starting point for summer promotions.

· Qubesport: Cologne highly recommends urging all of your athletes and artists to register for Qubesport.com. This is a fairly new online LGBT sports community. Cologne will help establish a Qubesport group for your City Team or sport to facilitate information sharing. Note that Cologne benefits financially if people sign up so it’s good to encourage people to go there.

· Pick-Up Players / Teams: Qubesport is what Cologne is using to help people find a team, doubles partner, or to pick up players.

FGG Membership & Partnership Program
For information on the FGG Membership and Partner programs, visit http://www.gaygames.com/en/membership/index.htm or contact Paul at poostenbrug@gaygames.org.

Other Links:
· Scholarship Program - http://www.gaygames.com/en/participants/scholarship/index.htm
· Federation of Gay Games Annual Meeting - http://www.gaygames.com/AM2009

Contacts: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@games-cologne.com
Paul Oostenbrug, (773) 525-9531, poostenbrug@gaygames.org

Games Cologne at Cologne Pride

Games Cologne at Cologne Pride

Flashback: opening of registration for Gay Games VIII

Mayor of Cologne opens registration for Gay Games VIII... register now HERE!

"Basket et maths"

The short films produced by French TV network Canal Plus and the French ministry of health and sport, with the support of the FSGL, are now available online. Of particular interest is the film "Basket et maths", which features two teammates whose feelings about each other are not as clear as they might be...
View it (in French) HERE.

TIP figures are in

Final registration numbers from the 2009 Tournoi international de Paris show participation from 1300 athletes from 40 countries in 15 sports.

Thanks to fast action on the part of the organizers, a last-minute crisis caused by the closing of the party venue hours before the event was overcome, and the TIP was able to generate a profit that will allow the participating FSGL clubs to operate throughout the year, and to keep their membership fees at a reasonable level.

A thanks to the organizers of the TIP and the FSGL for their warm welcome for the FGG and Games Cologne, and our best wishes for next year's edition, which will again take place on Pentecost weekend, which in 2010 will be from 22-24 May.

Absolut Colors

ABSOLUT VODKA and BLU To Help Fund Eastern European Participation in Gay Games® VIII Cologne 2010

ABSOLUT VODKA and the magazine BLU have both announced partnerships with Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 to help bring Eastern European participants to next year's Gay Games in Cologne. ABSOLUT and the magazine BLU are making a contribution to the Gay Games 2010 Scholarship program that will help provide funds to lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender athletes and artists from Eastern Europe who would otherwise be unable to afford to attend the sports & cultural festival.

"Gays and lesbians from Eastern Europe are often targeted by homophobic hate groups," said Annette Wachter, CEO of the Cologne Gay Games. "We hope that by bringing Eastern European participants to the Gay Games, we can help strengthen self-esteem and inspire them so that they can achieve progress in their own countries.

Pernod Ricard Deutschland GmbH, on behalf of the ABSOLUT brand, enthusiastically supports this goal and on May 28, 2009, Christina Elste from Pernod Ricard presented a donation to the Gay Games Cologne organization in support of the scholarship fund.

"With this money we will help finance the participation fees, travel and accommodations for many athletes," said Wachter. "Without this donation, participants would have had no chance to come to the Cologne Gay Games."

"Almost 30 years ago ABSOLUT decided to support the right to individuality," said Christian Seel, Marketing Manager at Pernod Ricard Deutschland. "At the time, this was regarded as risky, but today we look back in pride. ABSOLUT COLORS is for us a logical continuation of our philosophy, which aims to encourage people to show their true colors and be proud of themselves for who they are."

The Gay Games Sports & Cultural Festival was founded in 1982 and takes place every four years. Everyone is welcome regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, athletic/artistic ability, physical challenge, age, or health status. The motto of the Gay Games is "Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best."™

Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will take place 31 July to 7 August 2010. With 34 sports and five cultural events, the Cologne Gay Games are expected to draw 12,000 participants, more than the Olympic Games.