Chris Morgan takes new title at British single-lift event

The Federation of Gay Games extends its congratulations to Chris Morgan, the current Gay Games Powerlifting champion, who has won the ‘Best Lifter’ award at the British Deadlift Championships.

He was lifting in the British ‘Drug Free’ single lift championships, held in Horncastle in England where he made lifts of 210 kilos, 240 kilos, and 260 kilos to clinch the British Open title in the 82.5 kilo class. Chris also won the overall ‘best lifter’ in proportion to body weight.

Speaking about the competition, Chris said, ‘I’m really pleased to have set a new lifetime best on the way to winning the overall best lifter title at this year’s British Championship. This competition forms part of my preparations for the forthcoming defence of my world title in Russia at the end of next month. I’m realistic that the trip to Moscow will be the toughest test of my whole career to date, however this result gives me encouragement and incentive to improve again over the coming weeks’.

Chris continued, ‘This year promises an exciting competition schedule with the World Championships in Moscow in April, the Gay Games in Cologne in August and the European Championships in Malta in October all set to inspire me to new heights as I strive to improve my own personal best. It’s a huge honour to once again be representing England in International competition and also to continue my role with The Federation of Gay Games as one of their Global Ambassadors’

FGG co-presidents meet Gay Games Ambassador at EGLSF civic reception

At the civic reception held during the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation annual general assembly in Manchester, Federation of Gay Games co-presidents Emy Ritt (Paris) and Kurt Dahl (Chicago), had the pleasure of meeting Gay Games Ambassador Jon Amaechi, a Manchester native, who along with the Lord Mayor and Paul Fairweather, the lead councillor for gay men's issues, spoke to the group of EGLSF delegates and guests. In the photo, Mr. Fairweather's counterpart for lesbian women's issues, Ritt, Amaechi, Dahl, and Fairweather.

EGLSF annual meeting opens in Manchester

The Annual General Assembly of the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF) opens tomorrow in Manchester. Many FGG member organizations are also members of the EGLSF, and FGG representatives are looking forward to seeing familiar faces at the AGA hosted by FGG member organization PrideSports.

At last year's 20th Anniversary AGA in The Hague, the FGG board of directors was present en masse to honor this signal event. This year, the FGG will be represented by copresident Kurt Dahl and VP for Membership Paul Oostenbrug, both from Chicago. Co-president Emy Ritt and Sports Officer Marc Naimark will also be present as delegates from their clubs (VCL and Le Coq Musclé, respectively).

The FGG wishes the EGLSF and its members a most successful AGA, and thanks PrideSports, and Lou Englefield and Trevor Burchick in particular, for their warm welcome.

FGG website temporarily down

If you've been trying to visit the FGG website via gaygames.com, you may have had some problems. Our transition to our new website have led to some issues which we hope will be quickly resolved. Thanks for your patience!

UPDATE: Problem sorted!

Sites take up the call for Gay Games VIII volunteers

Among the sites spreading the call for volunteers for Gay Games VIII is the new AOL LGBT blog QueerSighted:

Want to meet Olympic gold medalist diver Matthew Mitcham? Of course you do. Who wouldn't? (Maybe not Bob Costas, who ID'd every single boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, brother, sister, and friend of every major athlete at the 2008 Summer Olympics but never thought to mention the gold winner's boyfriend, who was cheering him on at every stage.)

Well, if you're headed to the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, July 31 through August 7, keep an eye out for Matthew. He'll be at the games to promote them and cheer on the athletes, even though he's not competing himself.

Continue reading HERE.

NBC news in San Francisco features athletes preparing for Cologne

News from California on NBC TV. NBC reported a great feature piece on the athletes, including Cheer SF preparing to go to Cologne, Germany for the 2010 Gay Games. This eighth edition of the Gay Games will take place 31 July to 7 August 2010.

Be Part of It!

More on singer Kaia Wilson's plans to compete in Cologne

We've already posted some videos about Kaia Wilson's training for Table Tennis at Gay Games VIII HERE. Now visit Kaia Wilson's website HERE to follow her journey to Cologne to compete in Table Tennis.

Team DC event to support college scholarship fund

"Chosen Few" featured in leading French LBGT monthly

The story in TETUE (the women's versio of TETU) begins: "«100% black et 100% lesbiennes», voilà le slogan de l'équipe féminine de foot de Johannesbourg qui réunit des lesbiennes pour jouer au foot et défendre la cause lgbt dans la solidarité et l'entraide. Elles tentent d'oublier grâce au foot, les violences dont elles sont souvent victimes, et la précarité. Notre envoyée spéciale TÊTUE les a rencontrées." (100% black, 100% lesbian, that's the slogan of the women's football team from Johannesburg that brings together lesbians to play football and to defend the LGBT cause with solidarity and mutual support. They hope to forget, thanks to football, the violence of which they're victims, and their economic precarity. Our reporter met them...)

Read more HERE.

Death of Don Nolan

The Federation of Gay Games notes with regret the death of Don Nolan, a long-time member and official of member organization the Bodybuilding Guild, following a long illness. One of the last activities of Don before falling ill was serving as a judge for the bodybuilding competition at Gay Games VII in Chicago. Our condolences go to his family and his friends, particularly in the Bodybuilding Guild.

Paris screening of 'Take the Flame' a big success

The Federation of Gay Games is fortunate to have the rights to non-profit use of Take the Flame, David Secter's documentary on the Gay Games, covering the period from their founding in San Francisco to the Sydney games, with an in-depth profile on the life and work of our founder, Tom Waddell.

The film is very moving, and was the highlight of tonight's presentation of Gay Games VIII for potential participants held at the Paris gay and lesbian center. Although we feared that most people only casually interested in the Gay Games would leave before the screening, almost everyone stayed, and they remained "scotch-taped to their seats", as they say in France, to the end.

A second info evening featuring the film will be held March 30 at 19.30. Stay tuned for details!

If you would like to use the film for your promotion/information events, contact dlitwin@gaygames.org.

For info on "Equipe France 2010" search for that term on Facebook or visit the FSGL website HERE.

(And a round of applause to FSGL president Bruno Aussenac who saved the evening when Murphy and his law decided to have some fun with us).

Sydney Mardi Gras photos: seeing Gay Games VIII red

Our thoughts to our friends from MovDeInChile

The thoughts of the FGG family are with the people of Chile, and in particular our friends from member organization MovDeInChile (www.movdeinchile.com).

PENSAMOS A USTEDES TODOS.

In Paris? Come to an info session on Gay Games VIII

For those of you in Paris on Sunday, you are invited to see a projection of the reknowned film by David Sector, "TAKE THE FLAME" (version française).

Event: FILM PROJECTION - "TAKE THE FLAME"
Date: Sunday, Feb. 28
Start Time: 5:30pm
End Time: 7:00pm
Where: Centre LGBT, 63 rue de Beaubourg

To see more details, follow the link HERE.

Obtaining a German visa for Gay Games VIII

A number of people have asked how they can obtain a letter of invitation from Games Cologne to help them with their applications for a German visa.

We appear to have a solution that will help address these requests. Please go to http://www.games-cologne.de/en/contact and send an email requesting a letter of invitation. Explain that you want a letter of invitation from Games Cologne to take with you to apply for a German visa. Games Cologne will create a Ticket to track your request and should respond within a few days.

We look forward to seeing you in Cologne where we will all Be Part of It!

Special offer for clubs and other organizations for Gay Games VIII and FGG membership

The FGG is pleased to propose the following programs to assist members of your organisation to participate in Gay Games VIII:

REBATE PROGRAM: This rebate program is offered to FGG member organizations and is based on the number of GGVIII participants from your club.

FULL MEMBERS:
Full member organisations will receive a free FGG membership renewal valued at $100 USD with 50 or more GGVIII registrations.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:
o Multi-sport organisations (e.g. City Teams) will receive a free FGG membership renewal valued at $50 USD with 25 or more registrations.

o Single-sport organizations (e.g. a soccer club) will receive a free FGG membership renewal valued at $50 USD with 15 or more registrations.

FREE MEMBERSHIPS: On a first come, first served basis FGG is offering a limited number of free memberships for organizations in each of the following regions (UK/Ireland, Scandinavia, Western Europe (France, Germany, Benelux, Iberia), Balkans, Black Sea countries, former Soviet States, Russia, and Central Europe).

DEADLINE: To take advantage of this special offer, your organization must apply for membership on or before 1 April 2010. Contact Membership@GayGames.org or
see www.gaygames.com/en/membership.

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: For countries listed the UN Development Program's Human Development Index (http://hdr.undp.org/en/statistics/) Full Membership is USD$30, Associate Membership is USD$15.

STANDARD MEMBERSHIP: Full Membership is USD$100, and Associate Membership is USD$50 for associate members.

For more information on these offers, see www.gaygames.com/en/membership or contact Membership@GayGames.org.

We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your continued support of the Gay Games.

Sydney the next step for Gay Games rainbow flag 'torch run' from San Francisco to Cologne

Symbolic “Rainbow Run” will travel to New York, Vancouver, Sydney, Amsterdam and Chicago before heading to Germany for the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne

This Saturday, 27 February 2010, the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take on new significance for the world’s LGBT athletes. Local sports groups, led by Sydney’s Frontrunners gay & lesbian running club, will carry a special memorial rainbow flag during the parade as the 2nd leg of the International Rainbow Memorial Run (IRMR), the “Torch Run” for the quadrennial Gay Games.

Sydney was the host of Gay Games VI in 2002 and the Mardi Gras Parade is their annual “pride” parade. The parade steps off at 7:45 pm local time. Live TV coverage is available in Australia on Fox’s Arena Network. For more info, visit www.mardigras.org.au.

South African Olympian and Gay Games Ambassador Leigh-Ann Naidoo
at the International Memorial Rainbow Run in Chicago in 2006
(Photo by Kat Fitzgerald)

San Francisco

The Rainbow Run got underway last weekend in San Francisco, 21 February 2010, the birthplace of the Gay Games movement and host of Gay Games I and II in 1982 and 1986. A special ceremony at the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park was followed by a ceremonial run of the flag to San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium, home of the Gay Games I (1982) and Gay Games II (1986) Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Following that ceremony, the flag was shipped to Sydney, Australia, for the Mardi Gras Parade.

About the Rainbow Run

Every four years, the Rainbow Run helps the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) celebrate the lives of those who have graced the Gay Games movement and served or participated in the Games. “In many ways, this is our own ‘torch’ run,” said Brent Nicholson Earle, founder and organizer of the IRMR, “and we begin by renewing our connection with San Francisco, ‘our Athens,’ the city of our birth. We then travel to all past host cities to honor their role in the movement.” The event celebrates friends of the Gay Games lost to AIDS and other diseases, including US Olympian and Gay Games founder Dr. Tom Waddell.

Rainbow Run continues at Sydney's Mardi Gras

FGG member organization Team Sydney tells us about their entry in the Mardi Gras parade, which will also serve as the Sydney leg of the International Rainbow Memorial Run:

Team Sydney are one of the few entries that have been allowed to enter more than 150 people in the parade on Saturday 27 February, so we’re expected to make quite an impact.

Our parade entry opens with the “Red Section”, building momentum for Gay Games Cologne 2010. It will be led up the parade route by the Wett Ones in their shiny red convertible, followed by Sydney Frontrunners carrying the Gay Games Federation Rainbow Flag and finally Team Cologne: 20 Germans carrying LED helium balloons representing the sports being presented in Cologne this year.

The Rainbow Flag being carried by Sydney Frontrunners is the very flag that was carried into the first Gay Games opening ceremony in 1982 by Tom Waddell, the founder of Gay Games. The International Rainbow Memorial Run for Gay Games VIII started last weekend in San Francisco, home of the Gay Games [see this blogpost], and will travel through each of the host cities around the world during the lead up to Gay Games Cologne 2010, starting tonight in Sydney!

Following the Red Section is our float and choreographed marching group: The Age of Games: The sound and lighting truck will be transformed into a Greek chariot harking back to the founding of games, and opening the door to an exploration of the past, present and future of games throughout the marching group. Our marching group is comprised of members from Bentstix Hockey, Cheer Ignite Sydney, Freezone Volleyball, GLMA Martial Arts, GSquash, Outfielders Summer Softball League, Wett Ones Swimming, Rams Bowling, Rangers Football Club, and Spectres Basketball.

Rainbow Run begins in San Francisco

Roger Brigham's JockTalk column in the Bay Area Reporter is devoted to the start of the 2010 International Rainbow Memorial Run on February 21.

The calla lilies were in bloom (again) amid the stately eucalyptus trees surrounding the AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park as a steady downpour fell on the shoulders and umbrellas of a few dozen Gay Games supporters, local politicians, and the effervescent members of Cheer San Francisco. The windswept rain washed away the occasional tear as names of friends long gone or recently departed were read off, the growing patter of drops applauded the laughs brought on by humorous memories, and an a cappella tenor rendition of "Somewhere (A Place for Us)" warmed the cold damp of the gray Sunday morning.

In other words, the International Rainbow Memorial Run got the symbolic countdown to this year's Gay Games off to the perfect start in the birthplace of the Gay Games movement.

As always, Brent [Nicholson] Earle, an indefatigable runner whose every step seems both protest and celebration, was there to make the run, as the memorial run flag was ceremoniously carried along the short traverse to Kezar Stadium, where the Gay Games were born in 1982.

Continue reading on the eBAR website HERE.

Good luck to Matt Mitcham at FINA Grand Prix in Rostock, Germany

Before coming to Cologne for Gay Games VIII, Matthew Mitcham will be getting an early taste of Germany this weekend at the FINA Diving Grand Prix in Rostock. Best wishes to Matt and his new pairs partner, Scott Robertson. Good luck, and enjoy the snow!

Matthew Mitcham at the heart of Sydney exhibition

1 Olympic Gold Medallist and 14 International Artists dive into Mardi Gras

To coincide with the 2010 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, Smith & Hall Gallery in Redfern presents MATT DIVE GOLD, an exhibition dedicated to Australian diver Matt Mitcham (gold medal winner in the 10-metre platform event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics) and Chief-of-Parade at the 2009 Mardi Gras. Art meets sport in an unconventional exhibition curated by Jonathan Turner, featuring 14 acclaimed artists from 7 countries.

Matt Mitcham, with the highest-scoring single dive in Olympic history (the now famous "Matt 10 Gold") thus becomes an unexpected icon for the different artists involved. Their portraits reflect on the figure of the diver and the act of intense concentration. Diving is one of the most highly aesthetic and artistically charged sports; it is a conceptual activity requiring focused thought and a considerable mental discipline.

Launched in Rome on the occasion of the 2009 World Championships, this travelling exhibition now arrives in Sydney at Smith & Hall Gallery in a brand new version, with recent works by Maree Azzopardi (Australia), Tom Bianchi (USA), Robert Gligorov (Macedonia), Renato Grome (UK/Italy), Fritz Kok (Netherlands), Matt Marello (USA), Francesca Marti (Spain), John McRae (Australia), Tracey Moffatt (Australia), Antonio Riello (Italy), Craig Ruddy (Australia), Antonio Pio Saracino (Italy/USA), Francesca Tulli (Italy) and William Yang (Australia).

The dynamic works span the mediums of sculpture, painting, drawing and film, ranging from Renato Grome's underwater photographs and a highly entertaining "dance" video choreographed by Matt Marello in New York. In his ongoing series of portraits, Sydney photographer John McRae captures the subtle changes from Mitcham as an uncertain youth to an Olympic champion. William Yang's documentary imagery reveals an honest intimacy, whereas a fictional, fairy-tale atmosphere emerges from Francesca Marti's film project, produced in her studio in Mallorca together with Mitcham in 2008, shortly after his gold-medal win in Beijing.

Inside the Games features Matthew Mitcham's plans for Cologne

Like any number of news outlets, the website Inside the Games reported on Matthew Mitcham's plans to come to Cologne to support Gay Games VIII. The story was particularly notable for a photo we hadn't seen before. Visit their website HERE for a bigger image.

Out In Ireland leading Team Ireland for Cologne

Out In Ireland has a new website giving pride of place to their Team Ireland initiative for Gay Games VIII. "Team Ireland: We're a part of it!" plays on the Gay Games VIII slogan "Be a part of it!". Their brand-new website features plans for Team Ireland. Visit it HERE.

A new blogger coming to Cologne!

From Jim Vollendroff's Ground Cover:

It's official - I signed up to run my next marathon and I'm headed to Cologne Germany! I will be participating in the 2010 Gay Games. Gay Gays you ask? Yes and it's not a fashion, hair, gardening or cooking competition! All of which I would do well in by the way! This is all about sports baby. Check out the link above for a list of all the events - it's pretty impressive.

Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

Gay Games VIII is looking for translators! The Cologne Gay Games have so much to say and write .... for the website, newsletters, press releases, etc., etc.

Do you speak German? We are urgently looking for volunteers to assist us in translating texts from German to English. Can you help either directly or by putting someone you know in contact with us? Please email Olaf Schelski o.schelski@games-cologne.de .

3rd-ranked college wrestler a supporter of gay rights

From Outsports, where you can read the full article.

When Hudson Taylor proposed to Lia Alexandra Mandaglio, it was fitting that it was the same night they saw the movie "Milk." The story about a pioneering gay rights advocate meant a lot to the couple.

Back at Mandaglio's condominium in Washington DC, Taylor, a University of Maryland wrestler, presented her with a signed edition of Martin Luther King's book "Why We Can't Wait." She didn't wait, and said yes. They will be married on Sept. 24, 2011.

"The proposal is a big event not to be taken lightly," Taylor said. "We're both very progressive and very outspoken in LGBT and feminist issues." The book "symbolized how we felt and how we would act," and was "very fitting for the engagement."

Being outspoken and passionate is nothing new for Taylor, 36-2 this season and ranked No. 3 in the country in the 197-pound NCAA wrestling weight class. In addition to being a champion wrestler, he is an academic All American with his eye on law school and a possible future political career.

Read more HERE.

North American Same-Sex Partner-Dance Association championships

The Federation of Gay Games has at least two very good reasons to support the Philadelphia Liberty Dance Challenge this year. First, because it's produced with the help of FGG member organization Team Philadelphia. Second, because this year it will also host the national championship for the North American Same-Sex Partner-Dance Association, which by the time of the event should be the latest member of the FGG.

Best wishes to organizers and competitors next month in Philly!

Websites:
Dance Challenge HERE
Team Philly HERE
NASSPDA HERE

Olympic pop quiz!

What is the first major facility to be used for the Gay Games before the Olympics?

Highlight the text of this post to make the hidden text visible for the answer (in Window, Control-A).

BC Place, which hosted Gay Games III opening and closing ceremonies, and for the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Meet your team! France, Oregon and Philly

This Sunday in Paris...

Gay Games Cologne - Equipe France 2010
Présentation des Gay Games 2010 au Centre LGBT Paris

On s’enflamme tous pour les Gay Games !!

La Fédération Sportive Gaie et Lesbienne organise deux soirées de présentation des Gay Games au Centre LGBT de Paris, dimanche 28 février à 17h30 et mardi 30 mars à 19h30, avec visionnage du film documentaire sur les Gay Games intitulé : Take the flame !

Venez nombreuses et nombreux !!

Centre LGBT, 63 rue Beaubourg, Paris 3e
Métro Rambuteau (11), Arts et Métiers (11, 3).

Website HERE.

...and next month in Portland...

Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010
Time: 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Location: West Cafe, 1201 SW Jefferson, Portland Oregon
“Countdown to Cologne” Party to be hosted @ Westcafe Sunday March 14th from 4pm until “Tim’s toes stop tapping” ( I would say 6:30 or later). Complimentary appetizers provided with a no host bar.

We are so excited to be hosting a party for you!!! We are inviting everyone to come down to West Cafe for some wonderful food and drink. In an effort to build team unity we hope all the athletes going to Cologne will join us this evening. We are also hoping to see all of our friends and supporters who have helped us get this far.

So please come down, enjoy some “toe tapping” music and be part of something very special.

Please RSVP by March 7th! Can’t wait to see you.

Questions?
Tim McNichol
503.888.5804
timmcnichol@yahoo.com

Downtown Portland’s West Cafe Invites You To Wine, Dine and Vote on Tuesday, March 16. We’ll be Featuring an Impressive Lineup of Trendy New Wines and You’ll be Voting For Your Favorites. 10% of Proceeds to Aid Team Oregon 2010.
gaywine

On Tuesday, March 16, West Cafe’s ever-popular wine dinner returns – featuring downtown Portland’s most delectable comestibles and a series of sublime new wines. Please join us on Tuesday, 3/16 at 7PM for an exceptional 5 course meal and help West Cafe decide (by voting) which wines will be added to our new wine-list.

Head Chef and Co-Owner Sean Concannon regularly works wonders to develop amazing pairings featuring the finest regional and international wines. Our monthly wine dinners are becoming a downtown Portland “must-do” event and in March, we’re donating 10% of the evening’s revenue to Team Oregon 2010, Oregon’s representatives for the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany.

All this for only $35.00 plus gratuity.

Reservations are required and can be made via phone at 503.227.8189 or email us at eat@westcafepdx.com.

Be sure to make reservations soon as these events typically sell out quickly.

... and in Philly

Wed, March 24, 2010
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Ladder 15 [1529 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA]
Cover: None
OVER 21
Visit Website

Come socialize, network, and meet the athletes of Team Philadelphia as they prepare for the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany.
>>> Door prizes! <<<
>>> Drink specials! <<<
>>> Complimentary hors d'oeuvres! <<<
Thanks to Team Philadelphia for hosting
and to Ladder 15 for sponsoring this event.


Sponsored by: OurNightOut

Brian Sims' video on his coming out to his team