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