German coverage of Gay Games VIII: InternetCologne

The following is an approximate translation of the article from InternetCologne that you can find HERE.
Sports
Gay and lesbian Olympics
Gay Games in Cologne - This is fun!

In 100 days, starting in the Gay Games VIII Cologne: From 31 July to 7 August, about 10,000 participants will take part under the motto "Be of it!" expected to be the world's largest gay and lesbian sports competition.

PHOTO: Armin Lohrmann and Annette Wachter, Gay Games organizers, and Gay Games Ambassador Yvonne de Bark (top to bottom)

For five years they have worked for the big day, now is the countdown of the last 100 days for the makers of Gay Games VII in Cologne: From 31 July and 7 August some 10,000 participants are expected in the cathedral city, under the motto "Be part of it!", to take part in the world's largest gay and lesbian sporting event.


So far, 6500 athletes have registered to compete in the 35 competition disciplines, including bodybuilding, athletics, sport climbing, or dance sport. Most participants come from Europe and North America, but there will also be people from countries like the United Arab Emirates, Uganda or Sri Lanka. For these athletes, participation certainly entails risks, according to Annette Wachter, director of the Gay Games, as there is extreme repression of homosexuality in these countries.

3000 volunteers support the Games

For the participants from over 70 countries, the Games will be not just about the sports competitions, but about other events: parties, the visual arts exhibition, a band and choral festival, and a Rhineland evening, making the Gay Games equally a sports and cultural event. Visitors, of which the organizers expect around one million in Cologne, have free entrance to most of the sports competitions. Only for bodybuilding, dance sport, figure skating, and some swimming events will tickets be required.

ORganizers have to rely on an army of volunteers. About 3,000 volunteers, so estimates Wachter, are required for the smooth running of the Games. If you want to contribute to the Gay Games as a volunteer, simply sign up at the Gay Games Web site.

Registrations for participants is also still open. The base fee is 150 Euros and includes admission to the opening ceremony in the Rhein Energie Stadium on 31 July, and a travel pass for the duration of the games. Added to the base fee are fees for the various sports. The registration deadline for the athletes is 31 May.

More information and registration for the Gay Games at www.games-cologne.de