12,000 participants from more than 70 nations are expected for Gay Games VIII in Cologne 2010, the largest sporting and cultural event in the world.
Gay Games Cologne Opens October 2nd
Cologne’s Lord Mayor Fritz Schramma will clear the registration system for athletes and those involved in the cultural events at 18:45 (CEST) with the famous push of the red button
“It’s an all-important milestone for us to be able to invite all to register for the Gay Games in Cologne”, so delighted games-Cologne CEO Annette Wachter.
Between July 31and August 7, 2010 about 12,000 participants will celebrate with 34 disciplines, 5 big cultural events as well as countless events and parties. For one week they will compete in sports, celebrate and peacefully rally for more tolerance toward gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders through sporting and cultural events.
Over the past months and years the Cologne organizing team has put a lot of work into planning the competitions and events. “That’s why we can now already – nearly two years before the games – provide guests from around the world with very detailed information on the competitions”, explains Annette Wachter. The website www.games-cologne.com lists the competitive conditions for each individual discipline. All disciplines are held according to international regulations to ensure records will also be honored. In addition to the age and classes you will also already find city maps and addresses of the sports venues so the athletes can easily search for accommodations nearby.
Registration for the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will offer a 25 Euro opening discount on the registration fee: through 31.12.2008 registration is only 100 Euro. There is also a sport-specific fee, which is between 40 and 100 Euro depending on the discipline. Starting 01.01.2009 the base fee increases to 125 Euro. Since the number of starting places available is limited in several sports and therefore will be fully booked rather quickly, early registration is twice as nice!
The spectrum of the 34 sports ranges from football, handball, and beach volleyball all the way to figure skating, billiards, chess, sailing and dancing. In addition, bands and choirs from around the world will hold large concerts. Cheerleaders will display their skills at the Gay Games stages in the city. Anybody can participate, since the Gay Games are open to everybody – no sports qualification hurdles and no discrimination. Lesbians, gays, transsexuals and heterosexuals are collectively starting a trend for more tolerance.