What are the Gay Games?

From GayLife on About.com:

The Gay Games were established to provide a competitive sporting environment where anyone, as the Federation of Gay Games describes, can "experience camaraderie and validation through sport and culture," regardless of skill level, age or sexual and gender identity. At the Gay Games, personal best trumps competitive exclusion.

When Did The Games Begin?:
The Gay Games, previously known as San Francisco Arts & Athletics, was established on 1980 by Dr. Tom Waddell, a 1968 Olympic decathlete who lost his battle with AIDS in 1987, and a group of San Francisco residents. Today, the quadrennial event is organized by the Federation of Gay Games and is held in various cities throughout the world. The first official games were held in 1982, boasting over 1,350 participants. Today, the games attract over 11,000 athletes from over 70 countries. The 2006 Gay Games in Chicago contributed an estimated $80 million to the local economy.

How Can I Participate In The Gay Games?:
Gay Games VIII will be held in Cologne from July 31 to August 7, 2010. Participants can register for 34 athletic disciplines from volleyball and soccer to chess and figure skating. Musicians, visual artists, cheerleaders as well as dancers are invited to participate in cultural events throughout the week.

Do I Need To Pre-Qualify?:
There are no pre-qualifying events or times required to participate in the Gay Games. The Federation of Gay Games "welcomes all people without regard to their sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political belief, physical ability, athletic/artistic ability, or HIV status."

Where Were Previous Gay Games Held?:

* Gay Games IX - Cleveland (2014)
* Gay Games VIII - Cologne (2010) exp. 12,000
* Gay Games VII - Chicago (2006) 11,000 participants
* Gay Games VI - Sydney (2002) 11,000 participants
* Gay Games V - Amsterdam (1998) 13,000 participants
* Gay Games IV - New York (1994) 12,500 participants
* Gay Games III - Vancouver (1990) 7,300 participants
* Gay Games II - San Francisco (1986) 3,500 participants
* Gay Games I - San Francisco (1982) 1,650 participants