Melbourne farewell party

QSAM held its farewell party for Melbourne participants in Gay Games VIII.

Some 70 athletes and friends attended the event at DT's, a local gay and lesbian pub in Melbourne's inner city suburb of Richmond, on Sunday 27 June.

The local state Labour MP gave the official farewell speech. A message from Philipp Lischke, Games Cologne's rep in Australia and a 2010 FGG Volunteer of the Year, was read in his absence.

Kate Rowe, VP External affairs attended on behalf of the FGG and gave the crowd a few facts and figures to help give participants a sense of what's to come. Everyone was excited to hear that Australian Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham will be reading the oath of athletes at the opening ceremony.

Also in attendance and speaking at the event was Daniel Kowalski, a silver medalist Olympian in the 1500-metre swim. Daniel (photo above with Kate Rowe) recently came out and he said he was sorry that he has missed out on Cologne, but is already targeting Cleveland to participate and get back into training for.

A film crew was there to cover the event for a documentary, to be broadcast on ABC, following the journey of the DANCECATS a group of women from Melbourne who will be participating in DanceSport at Gay Games VIII.

Melbourne tennis players Judy, Charlotte, Rachel and Moira