That's Marie AND Britta

In all of our posts on the Gay Games VIII east-west North American promo tour, we've written about Marie, but have forgotten to acknowledge the also Fabulous Britta! Britta is one of the people who will be making softball a great success this summer in Cologne! As their trip winds up, make sure you take advantage of the remaining opportunities to meet Marie and Britta (and Stephan on the north-south tour).Thanks to Charlie C. for these photos from the first promo event on the east-west tour at Gym Sports Bar.

Gay Games promo in Los Angeles

Since we really want YOU to come to Gay Games in Cologne this summer, we are coming to Los Angeles to meet YOU and YOUR team!
We will be in Los Angeles Monday 5 April, and the only reason why we are there is to tell you all about the magnificent GayGames this summer in Cologne.

This Monday April 5th 6-8PM, we are in Los Angeles, and we will also give you a discount of 15 euro if you come and register with us.

All evening drop in and sign up GYM Sports Bar from 6-8pm!
8737 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
gymsportsbar.com

IF YOU CAN'T COME..SEND AN EMAIL TO: m.kampmann@games-cologne.de AND WE WILL SEND YOU THE DISCOUNT CODE.

Gay Games REPS will be here and they have tips and information on Cologne…so come on out.

Gay Games featured on In the Loop swan song

It's too short, but hope you like it...
(Listen from minute 57 to minute 60... or how to turn a 30-minute interview into a glorified soundbite.)

Vegas registration event

On Thursday, April 8, the FreeZone nightclub in the Fruit Loop will host a special sign-up event for the upcoming Gay Games VIII. Meet representatives from the games, ask questions and view a short presentation and movie, all beginning at 7 p.m. Discounts will be extended to anyone who signs up to participate in the Gay Games at this event.

San Francisco Gay Softball League fundraiser

May 2, 2010
5:00pm - 2:00am

White Horse Bar
6551 Telegraph Ave
Oakland CA 94609

We are having the best Fundraiser in the Bay Area: BBQ, raffle tickets, beer bust, music for you to dance all nite long, jello-shots and more, for more info call Papi at 415-264-1882.

Memories of the Chosen Few

Read the full post on Keph Senett's Personal SA blog:

Off to one side was the South African women’s team, the Chosen Few. They’d been the subject of many conversations, having invited the attention of players from both divisions for their practice of approaching the field for their games singing and dancing in unison. It was an impressive display, both beautiful and intimidating.

Now, the team was standing in a wide circle socializing with each other and whoever wanted to step into the ring. I did.

Within moments I realized I’d inserted myself into a discussion about the consequences of being lesbian in the townships of South Africa. The women spoke in turn, uninterrupted, and told everyone assembled stories of brutal violence, corrective rape, and murder. In the preceding few years, I was told, several players had been killed for being lesbian.

We were standing close, shoulder to shoulder, protective and insular, when the women from the Chosen Few began to clap and sing, pulling each other into the centre one by one. Concentrating on matching the rhythm of the group, I slapped my palms together and felt honored and ridiculous and lucky and amazed all at once. By choosing to play, these women were effectively “coming out” into extreme hostility and risking terrible violence, even death. I didn’t know what to do with this information – I still don’t – except to put my hands together and share that fleeting moment in the alley.

~

The Chosen Few is run by the Forum for Empowerment of Women (FEW). They won a bronze medal at the Gay Games Tournament in Chicago in 2006, and again in 2008 at the IGLFA Championships in London. The team has been awarded a Gay Games scholarship to handle travel and accommodation expenses so they can compete in the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, but they still require further financial assistance to obtain gear and handle other associated expenses.

To help, contact Dikeledi Sibanda at 0113391867 or 0765123874 or e- mail project1@few.org.za

Pride Games registration opens

Pride Games take place this year from 5 to 13 June in Manchester. You can register online HERE.

Many events are on offer, divided into three categories:

• Compete: These are our purely competitive events. They are open to all abilities.
• Learn: These are events that teach you about the sport and how to do it, as well as including lots of practice and fun.
• Fun: These are events just for fun. If you've ever wanted to give something a try then these are for you!

Philadelphia Falcons prepare for IGLFA world championships at Gay Games VIII

From The Temple (click HERE to read the full article):

This local, nonprofit amateur adult league is a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association. Started in 1992, the IGLFA currently heads soccer involvement at the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, where the Falcons are headed for the sixth year.

Founded in 1980 to recognize the athletic talent and dedication of the LGBTQ community, the Gay Games are modeled after the Olympics. Games are held once every four years and feature numerous sports and events with thousands of athletes in participation.

While the Falcons were largely founded and are currently coordinated by gay athletes, the team comprises members of all ages, genders, ethnicities and sexual orientations. Aside from an array of demographics, the team’s most distinguishing attribute is the family that’s been formed through the Falcons’ love for the game.

“I like soccer, but it is also a community,” Pepe Gimenez, a calculus professor at Temple, said. “You belong to a group of very nice people. We go out and travel together. They are very much my second home.”

Gay Games VIII at Dinah Shore weekend in Palm Springs

Marie and crew are in Palm Springs now, on the links today and tomorrow, and at the Gay Games booth at the Renaissance Hotel from Friday-Sunday.

The FGG wants to extend its special thanks to members of the Gay Games family who have hosted and supported the Gay Games VIII promo teams on their various trips!

http://dinahshoreweekend.com/hotels.html

FGG Marketing Officer marks 20 years on Board of LGBA

At the annual conference of FGG member organization Lesbian and Gay Band Association in Indianapolis last week, Doug Litwin stepped down from the organization's board after 20 years of service. The Federation of Gay Games applauds Doug for his dedication to our member organization and to his constant concern for the Gay Games cultural program.

Congratulations to Doug on his 20 years of service to the LGBT sports and culture movement!

Team Chicago travel plan

Thanks to Kyle Chang for his work on travel for Team Chicago. All info HERE.

Team Chicago Members are eligible for travel and accommodations discounts once they have been verified as a paid member in good order. In addition, members can spread out payments for travel and accommodations over the six months so that it's easier on the monthly expenses.

Gay Games VIII scholarship appeal

Click HERE to view an important message.
And click HERE to donate to the FGG scholarship fund.

One Step Closer figure skating benefit for AIDS in NYC

More info HERE.

PS: If you have the pleasure of attending this great event, check out Oksana Baiul's outfit, which was created by our very own Laura Moore, FGG VP Diversity and chair of the FGG Fashion Committee!

Recap of Australia promo events

Featuring FGG Ambassadors Michelle Ferris and Ji Wallace, and great images from the Sydney Mardi Gras parade.

Thanks to the Gay Games crew in Australia, and to Philipp Lischke and the folks from Lufthansa Australia in particular!

Gay Games VIII promo in NYC

Thanks to Charlie C. for these photos from the first promo event on the east-west tour at Gym Sports Bar.

Irish hurler supports Team Ireland

From Wednesday's promo event in Dublin (more on Team Ireland HERE):


HURLING legend Donal Óg Cusack has given his full support to gay athletes who came out yesterday ahead of their participation in the Gay Games this summer.

Top swimming instructor and Gay Games medallist Eilís Burns, said she hopes their decision will be an example to others in a similar situation.

Eilís, a swimming coach at the Source Health and Fitness Centre, Silversprings Hotel, Cork, and her 25 Cork team-mates will be part of the 60-strong Irish team travelling to Cologne in July for the 10-day event.

Continue reading HERE.

Chris Morgan profile in Bay Area Reporter

In the latest issue of the Bay Area Reporter, Roger Brigham interviews FGG Ambassador Chris Morgan on the latest in his powerlifting career.

From the profile:

"Naturally my aim is to continue representing the Federation of Gay Games as one of their global ambassadors. It means so much to me having competed in my first competition in Amsterdam in 1998. The Gay Games gave me the chance to try a new sport in a safe environment and I'll always be grateful for that."

German Foreign Minister official patron of Gay Games VIII

From The Local:Westerwelle to kick off Gay Games in Cologne this summer

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has agreed to be the official patron of the eighth annual Gay Games in Cologne this summer, the organisation reported on Thursday.

Westerwelle’s participation was a “clear signal for more tolerance and acceptance of homosexual people in our society,” Gay Games Cologne 2010 director Annette Wachter said, adding that organisers hope this will enhance how the athletes are received in their daily lives.

More than 12,000 athletes from around the world are expected at the games, which run from July 31 to August 7 in the city.

The first Gay Games event took place in 1982 in the California city of San Francisco with the aim of fighting discrimination against lesbians, gays and bisexuals.

Its 35 competitions include football, track and field, swimming, body building, bowling and golf.

Help the Chosen Few help themselves

SOUTH AFRICA -- 23 March 2010: In a bid to raise funds for the Gay Games World Tournament in Cologne, Germany, The Chosen Few, a lesbian soccer team, owned by the Forum for Empowerment of Women (FEW) will be hosting a car wash and picnic at Zoolake on Saturday 27 March and are appealing to the community at large for support.

Having received a scholarship* from the Gay Games committee which covers travel expenses and accommodation the team is still in need of a proper gear, assistance with local travelling expenses to and from training and funding for a pre tournament camp.

"Without donations there is no Chosen Few, we need support from the LGBTI community which will further motivate us to perform at our best", said Matshidiso Mofokeng, player of the Chosen Few Team.

Continue reading HERE.

*Generously financed by Dick Uyvari and the late Joe LaPat

Team Philadelphia travel package

For any Philadelphia-area Gay Games participants who aren't aware of it, Team Philadelphia has put together an interesting travel package to Cologne.

Find it HERE.

Details of North American Gay Games tour 2

While the fabulous Marie is heading from east to west, the equally fabulous Stephan will be heading from north to south. Here's where you can find him!

Toronto, ON
27 March
8-11pm
Promo Event
Woody’s
467 Church Street
t. 416.972.0887

28 March
Promo Event
O’Gradys Tap & Grill
518 Church Street
t. 416.323.2822


Washington, DC
30 March
6-8pm
Promo Event
Cobalt
1639 R Street NW
t. 202.232.4416


Atlanta, GA
31 March
8-11pm
Promo Event
Blake’s on the Park
227 10th Street
t. 404.892.5786


Orlando, FL
3 April
All day
Tennis tournament
Sanlando Park
401 West Highland Avenue
Altamonte Springs, FL


3 April
Evening
The Vue
7th Floor Reception Area
150 East Robinson St.
Orlando


4 April
6-8pm
Parliament House
410 N. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando

Get pumped with Team Oregon!

Monday, March 29, 2010
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Flying Cat Coffee
3041 SE Division
Portland, OR

This meeting is for all members of Team Oregon 2010 and anyone who is interested in learning more about the effort.

Team Oregon 2010's mission is to send as many fabulous athletes as possible to the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany. The Games take place during the first week of August, 2010. Team Oregon 2010 plans to hold fundraisers and garner sponsors to help all traveling participants pay their way to the Games.

At each monthly "Get Pumped" meeting, two main things happen:

1. People interested in joining or supporting Team Oregon 2010 can learn more about us and join up!

2. Members can learn about planned activities in which they can participate. Members earn points toward their travel "scholarship" by participating in activities. Of course, this is also a great time to share new ideas.

So, be sure to check us out!

Members earn points just for attending the meeting!

The meeting starts at 6:30 pm and we work VERY hard to make sure it is over by 8:00 pm.

Flying Cat is owned and operated by a member of Team Oregon 2010. Normally closed on Monday nights, the owner graciously opens her shop just for us once a month. Please bring some money to buy a cup of coffee, tea, and/or something to eat.

Thanks!

Visit our website: http://www.teamoregon2010.org
Join Team Oregon 2010: http://www.teamoregon2010.org/membership

If you have questions about this meeting please email rob@enterthenet.com

Team Ireland events in Dublin (24/03) and Cork (25/03)

To help everyone with their planning, Out in Ireland is organizing information evenings this week in Dublin and Cork:

DUBLIN: This Wednesday 24th March, 8:00pm at Panti Bar, Capel St.
A short video presentation and an opportunity to meet other athletes such as Nick Flanagan heading to the Gay Games.

CORK: This Thursday, 25th March, 6.30pm at the Council Chamber in City Hall, hosted by Cllr. Dara Murphy, Mayor of Cork

Details of North American Gay Games Tour 1

Current plans for the fabulous Marie from Games Cologne!

New York
Friday 26 March
After work sign-up event
GYM Sports Bar
Time: 5pm – late
167 8th Ave [Between 18th & 19th St]
New York, NY 10011
t. 212.337.2439

New York
Saturday 27 March
Volley tournament
Queens College
65-30 Kissena Blvd.
Flushing, NY 11367

and

Lesbian registration party
Gingers (Lesbian bar)
Time: 8pm – late
From: 8pm to 9pm you get a pint of gingers brew for $3 and a liquor drink special for $3.50
363 5th Ave (Between 5th & 6th Street in Brooklyn)
t 718 7880924 and 917 4469778

Denver
Monday 29 March
All evening drop-in/sign-up
Tentatively at Hamburger Mary's
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Restaurant and Bar
700 E 17th St. Denver

Palm Springs
TBD

Los Angeles
Monday 5 April
Registration party
GYM Sports Bar
Time: 6pm – 8pm
8737 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
t. (310) 659-2004

San Diego
Tuesday 6 April
Registration party
Bourbon Street bar
Time: 8pm- 10pm

Las Vegas
Thursday 8 April
Registration party
FreeZone
Time: 7pm - 9pm
610 East Naples
Las Vegas, Nevada
702 794.2300
http://www.freezonelv.com/

Phoenix
Friday 9 April
Ritz-Carlton hotel
Booth at the registration party for Sagurao Cup Softball Tournament
2401 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Kile Ozier to produce Amnesty International USA's 50th anniversary

Kile Ozier, producer of ceremonies for Gay Games IV New York and Gay Games VII Chicago has been chosen to produce the 50th anniversary events for Amnesty International USA. Congratulations to Kile: we're sure you'll do a great job for a great cause.

Climax to Cologne

The Colorado Climax hockey teams have joined in a common purpose, to represent Colorado and participate in the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany. Our collection of gay, lesbian and gay friendly hockey players look to continue its success in international competition, as well as fulfilling the Gay Games' principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best.

Find out how to support Colorado Climax HERE.

Auf Deutsch / En français / FGG Board of Directors affirms support for a single event in 2018

Co-presidents Kurt Dahl, & Emy Ritt (FGG), Julia Applegate & Wessel van Kampen (GLISA)*

(German version HERE and French version HERE)

San Francisco – (17 March 2010) The Federation of Gay Games board would like to issue these statements with joy and unanimous support from the board of directors.

Following a meeting of the Co-Presidents of the Federation of Gay Games and GLISA on 5 March 2010, in Manchester, UK, to discuss the future of worldwide LGBT sport and culture, the FGG Board affirms that one quadrennial event in 2018 is our goal.

Sports, Culture, and Human Rights will be components of the 2018 event, as they have been in the past.

We see a number of steps needed to move in this direction. The FGG's priority is a successful Gay Games VIII, to which GLISA has been invited to participate. After Cologne, more discussions and collaboration are needed between the two organizations and the members and communities which we all represent. A joint working group will be set up between the two organizations to continue the discussions required to carry out our intended goal of one quadrennial event in 2018.

We recognize that this is an important step to ensure that the legacy of global LGBT sports and culture continues to flourish.

With regard to the above statement, FGG co-president Kurt Dahl (Chicago) expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors of the FGG, who recognized the important progress accomplished in Manchester as part of the ongoing process of discussions held between the two organizations with input from our members and the wider community: “We have heard the calls for a single quadrennial event and sought to achieve this goal to better serve our mission of promoting equality. We look forward to the first step in this new chapter, with the presence of GLISA at Gay Games VIII, which has received the enthusiastic support from our host organization, Games Cologne.”

Co-presidents Emy Ritt & Kurt Dahl (FGG), Julia Applegate & Wessel van Kampen (GLISA)*

Der Vorstand der Gay Games verspricht ein einziges LGBT-Event für das jahr 2018

Die FGG bestätigt ihr Objektiv eines gemeinsamen, alle 4 Jahre stattfindenden Events.

San Francisco – (17. März 2010) Der Vorstand der internationalen Federation of Gay Games –unter Einstimmigkeit all ihrer Mitglieder- freut sich bekanntzugeben:

Im Anschluss an eine Versammlung der Co-Präsidenten von FGG und GLISA am 5. März 2010 in Manchester/UK, bei der über die weltweite Zukunft von LGBT-Sport & Kultur diskutiert wurde, bestätigt der Vorstand, dass ab 2018 die Organisation eines einzigen, alle 4 Jahre stattfindenden Events angestrebt wird.

Sport, Kultur und Menschenrechtsfragen werden auch 2018 hauptsächliche Komponenten der Veranstaltungen sein, wie das schon in der Vergangenheit der Fall war.

Zur Erreichung unseres Zieles sind eine gewisse Anzahl von Etappen notwendig.

Augenblickliche Priorität der FGG ist das Gelingen der Gay Games in Köln; die GLISA wurde zur Teilnahme eingeladen.

Anschliessend an Köln sollen zwischen den beiden Organisationen, sowie den Mitgliedern und Gemeinschaften, die wir jeweils vertreten, weitere Gespräche und eine aktive Zusammenarbeit stattfinden.

Eine gemeinsame Arbeitsgruppe, bestehend aus Mitgliedern beider Organisationen, macht sich zum Ziel, die für die Realisierung unseres für 2018 geplanten Objektivs einer einzigen, gemeinsamen, je vierjährigen Veranstaltung unerlässlichen Diskussionen zu führen.

Zweifellos ist dies ein bedeutender Schritt für die Erhaltung, die Kontinuität und den Erfolg der LGBT-Kultur und des LGBT-Sports weltweit.

Bezügl. des obigen Beschlusses drückte FGG Co-Präsident Kurt Dahl (Chicago) dem Vorstand der FGG seine Dankbarkeit aus. Er hob den entscheidenden Fortschritt in Manchester heraus als Teil eines kontinuierlichen Gesprächsprozesses zwischen den beiden Organisationen, unter Einbeziehung von Beiträgen ihrer Mitglieder und der Community: “Wir haben den Wunsch nach einem einzigen, alle vier Jahre stattfindenden Event vernommen und uns die Frage gestellt, wie wir unserer Mission für mehr Gleichheit besser gerecht werden können. Wir freuen uns auf den ersten Schritt, auf dieses neue Kapitel, beginnend mit der Teilnahme der GLISA an den Gay Games VIII, welche von unserem Gastgeber, den Games Cologne, enthusiastisch begrüsst wurde.

FGG co-presidents Kurt Dahl & Emy Ritt*

Le Conseil d’administration de la Fédération internationale des Gay Games affirme son soutien pour une manifestation unique

La FGG s’engage sur l’objectif d’une seule manifestation sportive et culturelle quadriennale en 2018.


San Francisco – (17 mars 2010) Le Conseil d’administration de la Fédération internationale des Gay Games (FGG) a l’immense plaisir de faire la déclaration suivante, qui a reçu le soutien unanime de ses administrateurs.

A la suite de la rencontre du 5 mars 2010 à Manchester (Royaume-Uni) des co-présidents de la Fédération internationale des Gay Games et la GLISA, destinée à discuter de l’avenir du sport et de la culture LGBT dans le mode, le Conseil d’administration de la FGG affirme qu’il vise la tenue d’une seule manifestation quadriennale à partir de 2018.

Le sport, la culture, et les droits de l’homme seront des composants de cette manifestation de 2018, comme ils l’ont été par le passé.

Nous voyons un certain nombre d’étapes critiques pour parvenir à ce but.

La priorité actuelle de la FGG est la réussite des Gay Games VIII, auxquels la GLISA a été invitée de participer.

A la suite de ces jeux, de plus amples discussions et collaborations seront nécessaires entre les deux organisations et les membres des communautés que nous représentons.

Un groupe de travail conjoint sera mis en place par les deux organisations pour entreprendre les discussions requises pour réaliser notre objectif commun d’une manifestation unique en 2018.

Nous reconnaissons que ceci représente un pas important pour assurer la poursuite et la continuité de l’héritage du mouvement sportif et culturel LGBT mondial.

A propos de la déclaration ci dessus, Kurt Dahl (Chicago) co-président de la FGG, a exprimé sa gratitude envers le Conseil d'administration de la FGG, qui a reconnu le progrès important réalisé à Manchester comme la suite logique du processus de discussions entamé entre les deux organisations, avec les contributions de nos organisations membres et la communauté en général. "Nous avons entendu les appels pour une manifestation quadriennale unique, avons tenté de réaliser cet objectif afin de mieux respecter notre mission de promouvoir l'égalité. Nous anticipons avec plaisir le premier pas dans ce nouveau chapitre, avec la présence de GLISA aux Gay Games VIII, ce qui a reçu un soutien enthousiaste de notre comité d'organisation Games Cologne.

*Photos Manchester Pride Sports

Best wishes to Bill McManus and David Nelson!

For unfortunate reasons, the Federation of Gay Games doesn't have the opportunity of celebrating the marriage of members of our "family" as often as it would like. So we're delighted that the legalization of same-sex marriage in Washington, DC gives us an opportunity to congratulate Team Rehoboth Beach delegate Bill McManus on his marriage yesterday to his long-time partner, David Nelson.

Best wishes and much happiness!

Games Cologne at Hamburg Gayvention

Meet Gay Games VIII Cologne at the Gayvention in Hamburg on March 27 & 28, 2010.
http://www.gayvention.de/

FGG co-president and FSGL delegate guest speakers at showing of Training Rules

During the Cineffable festival of lesbian and feminist films in Paris, a special session on lesbophobia in sport will be held at 17.00 on April 17. A short subject, Colpi di testa, on the first women's football team in Italy, and Training Rules, will be screened before a discussion with a panel including Maria Salvietti, FSGL delegate to the FGG, and Emy Ritt, female co-president of the FGG.

Visit the website of Cineffable for details.