Gay Games VIII registrations top 1,700

Cologne, Germany – The organizers of the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, announced today that more than 1,700 athletes and artists have now registered to participate in the quadrennial sports and cultural event next July and August. Participants from more than 30 nations have already signed up including many from Eastern European countries where many who are openly gay or lesbian are still persecuted. Participation by the host country Germany leads all other nations with registrations from the United States and The Netherlands following close behind.

“Registrations have increased substantially in the last few months,” said Annette Wachter, CEO of Games Cologne. “Summer LGBT sports programs in North America and Europe have helped drive registrations from the USA, Canada and Europe. The approach of the southern hemisphere’s summer has also increased registrations from Australia and South Africa. We are on target to have participation levels of 8,000 to 10,000 next July and August in Cologne.” Two sports – golf and sailing – are nearing capacity. There are 34 sports and 4 cultural events being offered at the event.

“Now is the time to register for the 2010 Gay Games,” urged Kurt Dahl (Chicago) and Emy Ritt (Paris), co-presidents of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG). “Early registration secures a participant’s spot in a sport or cultural event that may otherwise sell out, and allows Cologne to better plan for next summer’s eighth Gay Games.” FGG delegates from around the world will get a chance to review Cologne’s preparations as they head to the German host city 26 September to 2 October 2009, for its Annual meeting.

Gay Games VIII runs from 31 July to 7 August 2010, and will open with an inspiring Opening Ceremony at RheinEnergie Stadium, the city’s football (soccer) stadium. Up to 48,000 people are expected at the Opening Ceremony according to Andrea Müller, head of the Games Cologne Ceremony & Culture Task Force. Entertainment has not yet been announced but past Gay Games performers have included Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Kylie Minogue, Erasure’s Andy Bell and Heather Small.