Subj: Fwd: qubesport presents official Gay Games Party 'the qube' - where the world meets - 06.08.2010
qubesport.net presents one boat – the Rhine – the skyline ofCologne
‘the qube’ – where the world meets sundown river cruise & open air party
OFFICIAL GAY GAMES SPORT PARTY friday, august,6 2010, MS Drachenfels, Koeln Altstadt
Only three weeks to go for the worldwide biggest sports event, the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 to start. qubesport.net, the worldwide gay & lesbian sports community, presents a special party highlight at an unusual location. “the qube – where the world meets” is surely one of THE highlights and an unique event on theRhine. On three decks, you can dance, lounge and celebrate on the MS Drachenfels. Sunset, Colognes skyline from its best side and with it a summery, fresh and sporty mood with hot beats from DJ RONY (PLEASURE X,Cologne), DJ Scampi (KINGS & QUEENS) and DJ Stew-Bukka (Nachtflug) provide the necessary groove. The trip of the party boat along the skyline ofCologne, an exclusive VIP section with awesome guests, and many little surprises, of course matching the sporty theme of the Gay Games are rounding the event off to become a unique experience.
Finally a tip:Get your ticket immediately, as the ship has only a limited number of places.
friday, august,06 2010, from 7.30 pm river cruise from 9:00 pm, after cruise entrance: 10.30 pm location: MS Drachenfels, Frankenwerft, Koeln Altstadt, KD Landungsbruecke 3 tickets: presale 19 Euro, evening box office 21 Euro tickets & more:www.qubesport.net/theqube
I hope you are all as excited about the games as I am!
CONTACTS WHILE IN EUROPE: Communicating in Europe can be difficult and/or expensive. I am going to give all of my contact options below. If you would like to be on a list that I will create for everyone on contact options, please send me an e-mail with all of the pertinent information by this Friday, and I will make a master list and send it out over the weekend. The list can include such contact options as mobile number, Skype ID, hotel information, e-mail address, etc. Also, if you like, include the sport(s) you are participating in and we can all support each other while we are there.
FYI - If you have an iPhone, Skype is a good alternative because you can telephone and text message for free or at a greatly reduced price.
REMINDERS: For those of us who do not travel internationally often, here are some friendly reminders:
(1) Mobile Phone: Remember to call your mobile phone provider and let them know you are going to Europe. Find out if you can even use your phone there. I can only speak for AT&T: they have an international plan that is only $5.99 per month and they will prorate it for the time that you are there. You just have to remember to call and cancel it when you return. It is not cheap, but it is cheaper than just using your phone. Calls are $0.99 per minute, and outgoing text messages are $0.50 each. Incoming text messages are free. (It is a good idea to tell people that if they want to get information to you to send a text message.)
MOST IMPORTANTLY: remember to ask AT&T for instructions on how to turn off your roaming features. Roaming in Europe is astronomically expensive. However, it is free using wifi while you are there. I believe this information can be found on their website.
(2) Credit/Debit Cards: Remember to call your financial institutions and tell them that you are traveling abroad.
(3) Bills and Rent: remember to pay your rent before you go and any bills that will become due before you return.
(4) Send your itinerary including hotel information to a few people who are not traveling, just in case.
(5) Pack smartly! With the increased fees for excess baggage, it is not worth bringing things that are not a must.
(6) Medicine: remember to pack your prescription drugs as well as your favorite pain relievers for headaches, allergies, etc.
(7) Get snacks and reading material before you leave. They might not have your favorite snacks and reading materials in Europe. So bring them with you to make the flights go by faster.
(8) Travel insurance may be a very good idea.
If anybody has any other suggestions, please feel free to share
Please forward this message to anyone who is going to Cologne that is not on our Yahoo! Group.
Team Los Angeles:
Is there anyone willing to make $100 to bring home my hockey equipment? I will
be traveling around Europe for two weeks after the Gay Games and don't want the
burden of the equipment. It consists of one 30 pound hockey bag on wheels and
two hockey sticks that will be taped together. When checking into the airport,
the airlines usually place the sticks in a plastic bag. Once home that person
can make arrangements with my partner for him to pick it up. We live in North
Hollywood.
Cary Adams,
North Hollywood
I have one extra room available at the hotel in Cologne (see information below) where I secured 20 reservations for my club, West Hollywood Aquatics (WH2O). The long-stay rate is 90 euros per night, double occupancy, and includes all taxes and breakfast. The current check-in date is Friday, July 30 and the check-out date is Sunday, August 8 (nine nights). While these dates may be changed, a minimum of eight nights are required to maintain this low rate.
If you or someone you know is interest, please provide the legal names (as on the passport) of all parties (maximum double occupancy). Room will be assigned on a first-come basis.
·Secure your hotel reservations with your credit card.
·Confirm your flights (departure time, airport, seat assignment, special meals, etc.).
·Contact the airlines with which you will be flying to confirm their luggage allowances for the international and European domestic portions of your trip. Most likely, luggage allowance is less when traveling domestically in a European country or even within Europe.
·Contact the issuers of ATM and credit cards that you’ll be using abroad and alert them of your travels.
·Confirm with the issuers of your ATM and credit cards what foreign transaction and other fees they may charge you if you use your cards abroad. Most issuers charge at least a 3% transaction fee, plus exchange rate. Apparently, 1) Capital One does not charge foreign transaction fees if you use their credit cards abroad and 2) Bank of America (BofA) partners with Deutsche Bank 24 in Germany; if you use one of their 1,800 ATM machines in Germany to get money (not purchases), BofA will not charge you any fees. Please call both Capital One and BofA to confirm.
·Alert your home’s alarm company of your travel schedule and update the emergency contact information.
·Alert your neighbors of your travel schedule.
·Provide your travel schedule and contact information to your friends and emergency contact(s).
·Stop mail, newspaper, and/or magazine deliveries if no one will be at your home in your absence. Mail delivery can easily be stopped at the Post Office web site atwww.usps.com
·Put name tags outside and inside every piece of luggage, including carry on.
·Confirm with your health insurance how to handle any charges for care incurred during your trip.
·Consider purchasing travel insurance. Most airlines partner with travel insurance issuers. Policies can be reasonable, especially if you are traveling on an award ticket.
·Make two photocopies of all your legal documents and two photocopies of the credit cards you'll be taking on your trip. Leave on copy at home or with someone who can have access to it and one copy securely stored at your accommodation place.
·Please be aware that voltage inGermanyis 230v. Make sure to check the manual or with the manufacturer of yourelectronic devicesto inquire if they are dual voltage and would support Germany's voltage (most newer electronic devices are/do). The following hyperlink contains information on voltage and plug configurations. You may find converters and plug adapters at most Radio Shack or luggage/travel stores (Target and similar stores also may have them).http://treehouse.ofb.net/go/en/voltage/Germany
What to take
·Copies of your travel arrangements (air, auto, train, etc.).
·Copies of your hotel reservation.
·Copies of any tickets you might have purchased (cultural events, partner/companion’s, etc.).
·The credit card(s) you used for your reservations and to purchase tickets (train, events, etc.).
·The original and a copy of your USMS and/or USWP card(s).
·A padlock.
·If you are taking any medications with you, to be safe, take them in their original containers with your name, the name of your doctor, and the prescription number on the label. If possible, take a copy of the prescription with you.
·Sun block lotion and hat/cap – remember the pool is outdoors.
·Some walking will be required to reach the pool. Consider taking a bag with wheels to the competition site.
·Chargers for all your electronic devices and, perhaps, an extra set of batteries.
I will be competing in the sprint distance triathlon on August 1st. I've been searching for a bike to use for the tri, and am having some difficulty. Are there any cyclists going to Cologne that would be willing to loan/rent me their bike (or share in the rental of a bike) on August 1st?
Here are a couple other phone options for international travelers that others passed along:
(1) You can purchase a SIM card. It is cheap. Here is the info direct from a German guy:
It is best to buy a prepaid cell phone card. I send you an invitation from www.blau.de. You pay EUR 9,90 for the SIM-card, but you will have a balance of EUR 10. Calls are cheap within Germany (0,09 EUR per minute) ; You can buy it in shops like "Saturn" and "Mediamarkt" as well as in small kiosks. Similar offers you will find in Supermarkts like Aldi, Penny and REWE.
(2) You might want to forward this link to people considering different international calling options:
Hey all,
Here are tons of photos I took at the Games, Opening Ceremonies, parties, city,
events, etc. in case you want to check them out. They are in the album 2 DE 2010
- Koln.
It was a GREAT time!
Stephen
http://picasaweb.google.com/soslalala
REGISTRATION FOR THE VANCOUVER 2011 NORTH AMERICA OUTGAMES IS OPEN
Vancouver, July 2011 is the place to be. Sport, Human Rights and more than a week of culture and celebration festivities planned for the 2nd North America Outgames July 25-31, 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“This will be a momentous event in Canada’s newest Olympic city,” says John Boychuk, President of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames Steering Committee. “People are going to be impressed and enchanted by the quality of the events that we’ve planned for them during the 2nd North America Outgames.”
Sporting events include mountain, marine, and land sports that are both individual and team based sports, with a focus on participation and healthy competition. “There will be something for every age and physical ability, and some unique activities for the Vancouver area and the North America Outgames” says Dan Quon, President of Team Vancouver and the primary sports lead.
Registration is now available for both the three day Human Rights conference, as well as the first initial offering of sports. Further sports will be available for registration over the coming weeks.
As well as being able to register for the event of 2011, the call for proposals is available for interested parties. The Vancouver 2011 Outgames Human Rights Conference will be a three-day event encompassing a number of thematic areas such as law/jurisprudence, workplace, health/well-being, education, corporate, spirituality, and sport. Sessions will include concurrent, plenary, panel, and interactive activities.
Brad Bostock, Host City Director for GLISA North America, says “GLISA North America is dedicated to the development of host-city sports, culture, and human rights throughout North America. Building on the legacies of Montreal, Calgary and Melbourne, GLISA North America invites everyone to join us in Vancouver in July 2011 for an amazing week of healthy sport, engaging conversation, and uplifting celebration.”
From: BladeHky23@... BCC: MrMichaelClark@... Sent: 2/19/2011 3:03:44 P.M. Pacific Standard Time Subj: Announcements: LA Blades at Gym SportsBar February 26, Skate Party on March 12
Hey Everyone....
The LA Blades Ice Hockey Club, established 1987 have three upcoming events;
Fundraiser Party at Gym SportsBar in West Hollywood, Saturday February 26, 7:00PM to 11:00PM
LA Blades Annual Ice Skating Party, Saturday March 12, 10:00PM to 12:30AM at Pickwick
Ice Arena, 1001 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA (More info in a shortly)
LA Blades playing at Staples Center following the LA Kings / Anaheim Ducks NHL game, Saturday March 19, 7:30PM Kings face off. (More Info shortly)
Fundraiser Party at Gym SportsBar, 8737 Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood, Saturday February 26, 7:00PM to 11:00PM
Come and bring your friends, joining the LA Blades Hockey Club as we hit West Hollywood for an Saturday evening of fun, drink specials, lite food, raffle prizes at Gym Sports Bar, Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA
See Attached Flyer
Any questions, respond back
Thanks,
The LA Blades Hockey Club
(If you wish to no longer receive LA Blades Announcements, please reply back with remove from list)
Hello and welcome to the GLISA North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames! Only 122 days to go!
We enclose the following update for you on all the amazing comings and going that will be happening in Vancouver July 25-31st 2011. With a Human Rights Conference, 18 sports offered, and many cultural and social events all happening the same week as Vancouvers Pride celebrations, there is sure to be an event that fits your interest!
Stay tuned for the upcoming POP Tour, details to follow!
SPORTS:
Walk Sign up for a 4 km or 10 km walk at Stanley Park, (this is not a power walk competition). Enjoy the mountain and ocean view walk on a paved surface. Hosted by Vancouver Frontrunners Club, the 7th Annual Pride Run & Walk will morph into the 10K Run and 4K Walk events during Outgames on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 9am. Both events will start and end at Lumberman's Arch and take runners and walkers along scenic routes in world famous Stanley Park. As in previous years, this Run/Walk event will continue to be a fundraiser for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, an organization that provides a Day Health program and a 24-hour nursing care Residence. Note that there is a 200-participant limit so please register soon to secure your spot.
Dragon Boating If you wanted to try out dragon boating, one of the fastest growing team water sport, this is the time to do it. A lesson will be provided in preparation for a 200 metre race. Each boat holds ten paddlers. Gather your friends and your team-mates for a fun event in the downtown harbour. If youre an individual or your team doesnt have enough paddlers, well arrange for drop-ins!
PokerJoin us at Vancouvers hottest Poker Room for the Outgames Texas Holdem Poker Tournament. Kick off is Tuesday, July 26 where you have an option to get a one hour poker lessons or if youre already a pro just pick up your seat assignment. The real fun starts during the first round of play, you pick either Wednesday, July 27 or Thursday, July 28. Play down to the winners for the big money is Friday July 29. The poker fee is now $125. The prize pool is $22,000 if sold out at 220 players!
Edgewater Casino has 500 state of the art slot machines to choose from and a variety of table games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat. For more serious players, the High Limit Room is the place to take your game to the next level. Edgewater also boasts the only poker room in Vancouver.
Soccer There will be teams from all across North America including San Francisco, Long Beach, Seattle, and New York! Athletes will be playing for the IGLFA North America cup. There are different levels in the mens and womens divisions. Spots are still available for your team to enter!
Ten Pin Bowling Ten Pin Bowling runs for 4 days and is broken into two categories league tournament and social tournament. You can play as singles, doubles or teams.
BadmintonPreparations are underway for a great badminton tournament! We have just secured a fantastic venue at the Roundhouse Community Center. With four courts and great high ceilings, it is a great Badminton venue. It is in the trendy Yaletown area of Vancouver - down on the waterfront with great restaurants, a gorgeous seawall to walk along and lots to see and do.
With the 4 courts, the tournament entry will fill up quick so secure your spot by registering early. There are three divisions of skill level (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced) each with the standard five events (Mens Singles, Womens Singles, Mens Doubles, Womens Doubles and Mixed Doubles). Events and skill levels may be combined depending upon the entries received. As best as we can, we will match the skill levels of the players
Stay tuned for more information to be posted at the Badminton Page! We welcome already registered participants from Vancouver, Montreal, Southern Alberta, California and Australia.
Swimming A contingent of swimmers from Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto will be setting the stage for a strong Canadian showing at the swim meet. Space is available for competitors from outside Canada to come and give the Canadians a run for their money!
Softball Play softball during the Vancouver 2011 Outgames! The Softball tournament will be held Wed July 27 to Friday July 29 at the world renown Softball City in Surrey. The tournament has divisions for recreational and competitive players, and there is recreational women's division. NAGAAA rules apply. Join as an individual or a team. If joining as an individual, you will be placed on a team of a similar calibre.
Dance Sport Country & Western, cha-cha, swing, line dancing, waltz, and tango are some of the events organized during the 2 day Vancouver Queer Dance Classic during the Outgames. Couples from Montreal, Germany, New Mexico have registered and will be vying for the dancing title!
Volleyball Teams from Toronto and Houston are getting ready for a three day volleyball tournament at the Harry Jerome Sports Centre. With a maximum capacity of 96 teams, the tournament is spread over 6 days. Two womens and four mens divisions are available. With the high ceilings and synthetic flooring, this is a great venue to play volleyball. This event marks the beginning of the Volleyball Cup, which will follow future GLISA Outgames events. Produced by Volleyball BC.
There is still space available in each division; however, once capacity is reached the event will be sold out. Come join us for one of the most popular sports as either a participant or spectator. All spectators are welcome free of charge. For more information please check out the website. http://vancouver2011outgames.com/Volleyball.html
Tennis The Vancouver International Pride (VIP) tennis tournament has taken on an international flavour as players from Australia, Canada, Germany and USA have registered to play in this six day tournament. Singles, doubles and mixed events are offered. There are 5 skill levels. The event will likely be moved to a more convenient location in downtown Vancouver. More information will be provided on the tennis web page.
Alpine Marathon and Half-Marathon Runners from New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles are picking up their training as they prepare for the alpine marathon and half marathon taking place in North Americas biggest ski resort at Whistler, B.C., home of the 2011 Winter Olympics.
Running A record number of runners have pre-registered for the 10k run walk. Participants from Ottawa, Germany, New York, Texas, and Wales will appreciate the scenic course around Stanley Park.
Track & Field
The event schedule will be posted on the track and field page shortly. Competitors from Edmonton, New York, Houston, Indiana, North Carolina, London, and Vancouver have set their eyes on a medal winning performance!
Golf Golf has been moved to the Langara Golf Course in Vancouver. It is easily accessible by light rapid transit. The event is scheduled for July 25 and 27. The fee is expected to be approx. $170. Final confirmation is expected at the beginning of April. Built in 1926, this course was redesigned by Canadian architect Thomas McBroom, and now features top notch greens, well protected by bunkers. The large rolling greens make scoring a challenge and with its narrow fairways, accuracy off the tee is paramount. The contoured, tree-lined fairways are easy to walk and make this challenging par 71 course appealing to players of all levels.
The Early Bird Registration Rate has been extended through to the end of April.
To find our more about the Human Rights Conference, the 18 sports, and the week-long culture activities during the Vancouver Outgames, Visit www.vancouver2011outgames.com. For regular updates on all the amazing events happening during the Games visit our Facebook page at: facebook.com/OFFICIALVancouver2011Outgames (or) twitter: twitter.com/2011NA_Outgames
Subject: SUMMARY OF SOME ELEMENTS OF THE VANCOUVER 2011 OUTGAMES HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE
Please find below a description of some of the activities planned for the Vancouver 2011 Outgames Human Rights Conference July 25-31, 2011. It would be appreciated if you could share this information with others in your network.
Thanks very much. Have a great evening. Stay well.
Greg Larocque
Conference Chair
VANCOUVER 2011 OUTGAMES
HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE
July 25-31, 2011 Sheraton Wall Hotel and Conference Centre
The Vancouver 2011 Human Rights Conference has grown from the three-day event to a six-day collaboration with several different organizations. The Conference also offers a variety of opportunities and sessions to reflect the different themes and audiences participating in this event.
Plenary Speakers include New Zealand short-track Olympic speed skater Blake Skjellerup who came out as a direct result of Pride House at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and transgender concert pianist, professor of music, and community advocate Sara Davis Buechner.
A pre-Conference symposium hosted by Jer’s Foundation will bring LGBTQ community advocates together to discuss and plan community initiatives and skill-building.
A one-day symposium discussing homophobia and transphobia in sports will be hosted by Sport BC, the provincial sport authority for British Columbia in collaboration with the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity. Participants in this session will include sports leaders and sports organization staff, coaches, trainers, and volunteers.
A three-day “conference within a conference” looking at issues affecting youth will take place Tuesday through Thursday. These sessions will include bullying and cyberbullying, issues for trans youth, straight talk about safe sex, media stereotyping, and how to organize LGBTQ summer camps and gay-straight alliances in schools.
A one and a half-day symposium on hate crimes is being hosted by the Queer Hall of Fame and Q Ball. This session will look at the various and haphazard hate crime laws that exist in North American jurisdictions, the challenges for policing bodies to enforce the existing legislation, and the uneven nature of judgements written subsequent to court processes.
A three-day Salaam Conference will examine issues affecting Muslim LGBTQ practitioners. These issues include types of exclusion directed at LGBTQ Muslims, how to dialogue with integrity with Muslim faith communities in North America, creating a supportive North America-wide Muslim LGBT community, presenting a positive profile of the LGBTQ Muslim practitioner, the Chezuva Cultural Education Program, and the El-Tawid Juma Circle.
A dialogue and networking session to create a North America-wide LGBTQ unionist network will be hosted by local and national unions. This session will identify and develop means for different unions to actively share expertise, best practices, and lobbying efforts across the USA and Canada.
There are several unique features in the Vancouver 2011 Outgames Human Rights Conference. They include:
-Breakfast with Champions – informal continental breakfast sessions with local regional, national and international LGBTQ “champions” and allies;
-Armchair Insights – daily informal plenary sessions on specific topics with both dialogue from acknowledged experts and questions from the audience; one session will include experts on aging, another will allow Mayors of different US and Canadian cities to discuss the “readiness” of their city to host an LGBTQ event such as a North America Outgames, a third session will examine the development of LGBTQ human rights law to the present and into the near future;
-Networking opportunities – to allow for conference participants to meet, dialogue and exchange views with others;
-GLISA North America Human Rights Awards – two awards will be presented, one to an organization and one to an individual or couple who have had the most significant constructive impact on moving LGBTQ human rights forward within their area of influence.
There areseveral thematic areas featured in the Vancouver 2011 Outgames Human Rights Conference which include the following:
-Transgender – concurrent sessions and special activities will focus on transgender issues, including medical support, protection in law, positive role models, highlights of progress such as recent development in the LPGA, and recent publications to assist in understanding and acceptance at the workplace and in sports;
-Education – such as the presentation of LGBTQ role models in schools and the stereotyping of both straight and gay lifestyles in curricula, understanding what gender identity is and how it’s presented, engaging parents in the development of safe spaces for students, LGBTQ equality in school-based athletic programs, resources and strategies available for dealing with anti-LGBTQ resistance in K-12 settings;
-Aging – focusing on issues affecting seniors such as relationships, isolation and the loss of a partner, respectful and informed health care, accommodation and financial security,
-LGBTQ Law – including where LGBTQ law affords protection for individuals and where it does not yet do so, the role of the United Nations in establishing LGBTQ legal protections world-wide, the continuing battle for same-sex marriage, job, and family rights;
-Sport – such as addressing homophobia and transphobia in sports at all educational levels, the collision between sport, gender, sexuality, civility, and rights at university, creating equity in school-based athletic programs in the United States.
A wide range of speakers and presenters will be participating in the Vancouver 2011 Human Rights Conference. Some of those facilitating sessions are:
-Pat Griffin and Helen Carroll(Massachusetts and California) discussing transgender issues facing sports organizations and events;
-James Chamberlain and Steve Mulligan(British Columbia) examining how to help queer teachers, parents and supportive allies integrate LGBTQ content in schools;
-Dominique Dubuc and Sophie Rousseau(Quebec) hosting an open dialogue to create a North America network of LGBTQ trade unionists;
-Anibal Guimaraes(Brazil) discussing challenges for transsexual persons in Brazil in acquiring the full range of rights, including medical, name change, and civil status;
-Robin Hanson(Missouri) examining the inclusion and involvement of the older athlete in the LGBTQ community and sport in particular;
-Robert Wintemute(Great Britain) looking at the development of a United Nations Convention to protect individuals on the basis of sexual orientation and gender diversity;
-Ross Johnstone(British Columbia) examining how inclusive sport develops leadership, personal competence, and life-long productivity;
-Neill Kernohan and Sue Sneyd(Ontario) describing the impact of the Ontario Public Service “Positive Space” campaign;
-Kerri Mesner (British Columbia) looking at sexual-politic activism and religiously-motivated anti-queer violence;
-Michael Roskey (California) focusing on the gap between LGBTQ human rights advances in the “developed” and “developing” world;
-Douglas Sanders (Thailand) providing a perspectiveon the journey to entrench LGBTQ human rights from the early 1960s to the present and beyond;
-Mark Shuster and Scott Lazes (New Jersey) describing the Rutgers University project which developed mini-documentaries by students and athletes on sport and sexuality.
The Early Bird Registration Rate has been extended through to the end of April. Recommended Conference housing is at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver which is also the Conference location. A number of double-bed rooms have been reserved for Conference participants, family, and colleagues.
To find our more about the Conference, the 18 sports, and the week-long culture activities during the Vancouver Outgames, Visit www.vancouver2011outgames.com.
Only 97 days to go to the opening of GLISA North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames!!!
As GLISA North Americas premier event, we enclose the following update for you on all the amazing comings and goings that will be happening in Vancouver July 25-31st 2011. With a Human Rights Conference, 16 sports offered, and many cultural and social events all happening the same week as Vancouvers Pride celebrations, there is sure to be an event that fits your interest!
Early bird registration deadline is less than two weeks away, deadline date April 22, 2011. It is just around the corner, so register now to save and guarantee your place at this summers premier event!
ACCOMODATIONS:
As one of the premiere travel destinations in the world, Vancouver offers many choices for accommodation. The Outgames Secretariat (International Conference Services) is the official housing bureau for the Vancouver 2011 North America Outgames and will offer assistance with the coordination of housing requirements. Room rates for the selected hotels (noted below) have been negotiated and are available to individual participants and groups. Hotel Accommodation bookingscan be made via the online registration
You must register for the Outgames in order to book accommodation. Please note that hotels will not take reservations directly. A designated team coordinator would be happy to assist you with your accommodation arrangements. For more information please contact outgames-groups@... for info on group accommodations.
A PERSONAL NOTE FOR ALL THE SOCCER FANS COMING TO THE OUTGAMES:
Out for Kicks Soccer Club (OFK) is eagerly anticipating your arrival in Vancouver! They are set to host the first ever GLISA North America Cup in conjunction with the 2011 North America Outgames, and very excited to have partnered with the International Gay / Lesbian Football Association (IGFLA) and GLISA North America to make this a tournament to remember!
Special thanks to teams from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle and New York who've completed the registration process. There's been lots of interest in the event and they are looking to make the tournament even bigger and better; so get those registrations in!
OFK is planning a week full of action both on and off the field. Thunderbird Stadium will serve as the Tournament headquarters with daily updates and info being circulated. In addition to a well run tournament, they are also finalizing many soccer related social events. These include a Soccer Player/Friends and Family event, afternoon happy hours, and culminating in the championship games being played to a packed house at Thunderbird Stadium. Information about the site can be found at:http://www.sportfacilities.ubc.ca/TPFHS.pdf
Be sure to get your registration completed well in advance of this date to secure your spot in what's shaping up to be a great celebration of LGBT soccer!The Registration Fee for the 2011 North America Cup has been significantly reduced with early registration extended to April 22nd, 2011. In order to register, go to:http://www.vancouver2011outgames.com/soccer.html
Just click on soccer to register. This involves 2 steps: Step One is to register for the Outgames where you will be asked what sports you will be participating in; and Step Two, once your payment of the Outgames fee has been verified and processed you will receive an e-mail containing information and registration links on the individual sport. There is added incentive to register the entire team together. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact: Vanessa Idler,outgames-groups@...outgames-registration@...
SPONSORS:
The GLISA North America Vancouver 2011 Outgames is kicking in to high gear with just a few months to go before the big event! All of this would not be possible without the fantastic support of our corporate sponsors.
We wish to thank them all (large and small) for their support!
City of Vancouver
Vancouver Board of Parks &
Recreation
Rainbow High Vacations
Vision Event Photography
Helijet
Clubcard
CUPE Hospital Employees Union
Our GLBT Media Sponsors
SHAW
Xtra!
megamouthmedia
FunMaps
GayCalgary Magazine
LOV Magazine
THE POP TOUR KEEPS ON ROLLING ALONG!
The next POP tour event is on April 23rd, 2011 at 7:00 pm at 1181 ~ 1181 Davie Street. Try your skills on the Wii and beat the best at bowling and win prizes! Check the facebook page for a location that best suits you! www.facebook.com/OFFICIALVancouver2011Outgames
FLAGBEARERS & VOLUNTEERS:
The Vancouver 2011 Outgames is still looking for a few good men and women to take part in the action as flagbearers, there arent many spots left, so get your application in now!! Anyone interested is welcome to apply, this is not just for the locals! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Running_of_the_Flags_Application
There are also many opportunities to take part in the GLISA North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames as a volunteer! From Opening ceremonies to Closing, and the many and varied events happening in between, the 2011 Outgames welcomes your support and participation! Sign up now and help put behind the scenes! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Volunteer_Placement_Application
The Human Rights Conference will be hosting many workshops as well as an awards ceremony recognizing individuals and corporations that have influenced LGBT rights.
The North America Outgames will provide a womens zone, queer and family friendly spaces and Pride week activities for all ages and abilities. Join us at the games as we join the City of Vancouver in celebrating its 125th milestone anniversary of its founding. Vancouver and Whistler are home of the XXIII Winter Olympics. Additional elements include a Job Fair, Cultural Activities, Closing Gala and the March of Athletes in the 2011 Pride Parade. There will be exciting news coming in the next few weeks on some of the amazing line up of talent taking part in the Games!
For all information and updates please visit us at www.vancover2011outgames.com and find us on facebook, twitter, digg and youtube!
Check out our website www.glisanorthamerica.org website for travel deals with United Airlines, Air Canada and WestJet. We look forward to seeing everyone in Vancouver!
Gay Games IX Cleveland+Akron 2014 and the Federation of Gay Games are pleased to inform you about a major sporting event to take place this summer in Rotterdam: the 2011 Eurogames.
EuroGames 2011: Show your Colour!
From July 20 until 24, Rotterdam is host to the most important gay and lesbian sporting event in Europe: EuroGames 2011. Some 6,000 participants from home and abroad are coming to the port city for sport, culture and of course to see what the city of Rotterdam has to offer. All this can be found under the theme ‘Show Your Colour!’
For everyone
The EuroGames are a sporting celebration for everyone. First and foremost, it is for the participants in the 28 sporting activities and the extensive cultural agenda. But it is also for all Rotterdamers and everyone who comes to the city in July 2011. Because even more than just gay rights in sports, this year’s edition of the EuroGames asks people to accept everyone for whom they are, regardless of cultural background, sexual orientation or gender. Everyone can participate and everyone is welcome to come and watch: Show Your Colour!
Sports
The registration for the EuroGames 2011 began last year in November and the counter is already at over two thousand participants. You can register for 28 sporting activities, from volleyball to water polo and from soccer to athletics.
Culture
Are you not so athletic? Even then, there are reasons enough to come to the EuroGames 2011. In fact, there will be the first edition of the annual COLOUR Festival, a cultural event to promote the acceptance and inclusion of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people from both natives and foreigners. We are still working hard on the program, which will include a fantastic party and a film festival.
Website
Do you want to know more about the EuroGames 2011 and the COLOUR Festival, your registration or you want to register as a volunteer? Visit eurogames2011.eu. Here you will find everything you need to know. Subscribe to our newsletter so you will be the first to read the latest news!
Flash update
We are pleased that the petition campaign against "corrective rape" in South Africa appears to have been successful. Read more HERE. Thanks to all who have signed the petitions, and congratulations to friend of the Gay Games Ndumie Funda.
Gay Games IX now on line!
Visit the new website for the ninth edition of the Gay Games at 2014gaygamescleveland.com, where you’ll find more info on the event.
This is an interim website, with a full final version to be put online in the coming weeks, but you'll already find plenty of info on the next edition of the Gay Games and our partners in the Cleveland Special Events Corporation host organization.
The new brand identity of Gay Games IX, to be developed by Twist Creative, responsible for the communication of the Cleveland International Film Festival, among other events (info HERE
This page now has more than 800 fans who have “liked” the page. We profiled number 700 HERE
FGG and Gay Games IX at 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames
We want to extend our warmest thanks to the host of the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames who welcomed us with open arms. The event was a great success, and we were delighted to be a part of it, and to meet so many great men and women, and to extend our invitation to athletes, artists, and activists from the region to Gay Games IX in 2014.
Thanks to to our friends at GLISA AsiaPacific for organizing a great sports forum on opening day, allowing for an enlightening exchange among players in the world of LGBT sport and culture. We look forward to continuing cooperation with GLISA AP on future projects to promote LGBT sport and culture in the region.
And we thank those who signed up for our prize drawing, in which Cecily B. from New South Wales, Australia, won the grand prize: a free base registration to Gay Games IX.
You'll find our letter of thanks to our friends in Wellington HERE.
Awards update
Tom Waddell Award
FGG Officer for Marketing Doug Litwin had the pleasure of representing Sara Waddell Lewinstein (photo) with the "keeper cup" offered in honor of her designation as the female winner of the 2010 Tom Waddell Award. The presentation took place at the 25th annual Golden Gate Classic Invitational Bowling Tournament.
SportAccord “Spirit of Sport” Award
2006 Tom Waddell Award winner Lydia la Riviere Zijdel has won the SportAccord “Spirit of Sport” award. SportAccord is the world’s largest federation of international sports governing bodies and other sports organizations.
Lydia dedicates her life to enhancing opportunities for boys and girls around the world to participate in sport. She has focused her efforts on enabling persons with disabilities to become involved in sports and physical activities. Working principally in Ethiopia and South Africa, she has changed the lives of those so often considered outcasts within society. ‘Sport, like life itself, challenges to transcend your boundaries and limitations and to transfer them into achievements and abilities’ she expressed upon winning her Award.
Nominate Gay Games VIII as sports event of the year 2010
We invite our readers to nominate Gay Games VIII as the best sporting event of 2010 in the 2011 SportsTravel Awards. Click HERE to make your nomination, before June 30, 2011.There are 10 categories for which you can nominate events. If you want to nominate the Gay Games, please do so in the category Amateur Sports: Best Multi-Sport or Multi-Discipline Event. We suggest writing "Gay Games VIII, Cologne, Germany ". Make sure to confirm your nomination when you get the follow-up email. We hope that by receiving multiple nominations, Gay Games VIII will be on the ballot when final voting opens in July.
Gay Games medallists named Cologne sports team of the year
During the live show "Kölsche Sportnaach 2011" on the local TV channel of Cologne, Germany, Caroline Privou and Petra Zimmermann were awarded the title of best sports team of Cologne for the year 2011. Never before had a same-sex dance couple received this type of recognition in a mainstream sports awards ceremony! More info HERE:
Highlights from the press
Sport et plein air
We recommend an essay by sociologist Philippe Liotard, entitled “Gay Games, or Another idea of performance”, that you can find in English HERE , in which he concludes: “These Games show that there can be another way of practicing sport, that differences do not have to be erased in the name of performance, and that values of solidarity and fellowship are still able to bring a society closer together.”
Jock Talk
We also recommend Roger Brigham’s “Jock Talk” column in the Bay Area Reporter, where each week he gives news and thoughtful analysis of LGBT sports in San Francisco, the US, and around the world.
Among his recent columns, we note his look at the case opposing the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series, or his look back at the Gay Games movement.
Outsports
Congratulations to our friends at Outsports were featured in a profile in the New York Times. Read more about it HERE.
Compete
Compete Magazine is now available in newsstands in the US. Find the list HERE.
Coming events
FGG Annual General Assembly
The Annual Meeting of the FGG will take place in October, in Toronto, Ontario. While the meeting is intended first and foremost for FGG board members, delegates and volunteers, all are welcome as observers.
We’re particularly keen to find people in the area to help us organize the event. Please contact VicePresidentOperations@... if you can give us a hand! More info HERE.
Ben Cohen Acceptance Tour
British rugby player and ally Ben Cohen is ready to start his US tour to promote acceptance and fight homophobia. If you’re in one of the cities hosting an event, it’s a great opportunity to meet a great guy! More info HERE.
IDAHO
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia. A great event will be taking place in New York
Focus on youth
GLSEN
We’re happy to support the new sports program from the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN). “Changing the Game” is lead by educator and activist Pat Griffin. We are very pleased to see Gay Games Ambassadors involved in this programme. Among these are Brian Sims, who serves on the Advisory Board, and several Ambassadors among the programmes “All Star” supporters: Billie Jean King, Billy Bean, and John Amaechi.
Youth Summit
The FGG was pleased to be represented by Roger Brigham, Wrestlers Without Borders delegate to the Federation, at the first “Bay Area Youth Summit” on Easter weekend. More info on the event HERE.
"It Gets Better" The “It Gets Better” video project continues online, and in book form, with the publication of the “It Gets Better” book. View the sports-related videos we’ve found HERE. And what about you? Have you or your organization made a video? We’d love to feature it on our blog. Write us at blog@... to let us know about your contribution.
Come and mingle with fellow LGBT athletes and learn more about the Second North American OutGames in Vancouver, Canada that takes place at the end of July 2011. Attendees will receive a code that will enable them to register for the Outgames with an "OUTMingling" discount. Learn about the OutGames Sports, Human Rights Conference, and Cultural events and meet fellow participants. We will be gathering names of participants and helping organize teams for the various sports competitions. Let's have a great LA presence at the Games!
Join us on Saturday May 22 from 3:30PM to 6:00PM @ East West Lounge8851 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, California -(310) 360-6186
Attendees of the OUTMingling event will be eligible for a drawing for one free registration for the 2nd North America Outgames in Vancouver. (Please note that this does not include any additional costs for a sport or the Human Rights Conference.)
Come and mingle with LGBT athletes Saturday MAY 21 and learn more about the Vancouver Outgames.
The OUTMingling will take place on Saturday MAY 21 (Please note the corrected date)
@ East West Lounge8851 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, California -(310) 360-6186.
For those of you that missed the OUTMingling event and are planning to
go to the Outgames in Vancouver, you can receive a discount on your
registration fees by entering "California" in the promotion code field
of the registration page. Go to
http://www.vancouver2011outgames.com/registration.html
This discount will expire on June 1.
Nelson
The Federation of Gay Games is sending out this reminder to friends of the Gay Games regarding some events that are coming up this summer, and an important petition regarding lesbophobia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer tournament currently underway in Germany.
Last chance to register for EuroGames 2011
A message from our friends at Eurogames 2011:
Make sure you register now, before it's too late! Registration for the EuroGames 2011 will close on 1 July 2011.
Together with thousands of gays and lesbians from all over Europe you and your friends can experience the fun of participating in a large international event, celebrating diversity and enjoying your favourite sports.
Everybody can register until July 1st for a large number of sporting activities, from volleyball to water polo and from soccer to athletics. The entry fee is €130 for members of the EGLSF (European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation), while non-members pay €20 more. On top of everything else, all registrations in the final 10 days can pick up (while stocks last) a cool EuroGames T-shirt at accreditation!
Visit eurogames2011.eu where you’ll find everything you need to know. See you in Rotterdam!
Events
A selection of Federation of Gay Games member events
GLTA
On the weekend of the 4th of July, the American national holiday, no fewer than four Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance tournaments will be taking place in the USA:
-- Bluegrass Open, Louisville, KY
-- San Diego Open, San Diego, CA
-- Seattle Classic, Seattle, WA
-- Liberty Open, New York, NY
Learn more about these tournaments and the many other summer events for LGBT tennis players at http://www.glta.net
San Francisco Track and Field Club
The 4th Annual Pride Track and Field Meet returns on 13 August 2011!
The Pride Track & Field Meet is designed to provide athletes of all sexual orientations with an opportunity to compete together in a welcoming environment.We proudly serve both the LGBT sport community and the general track & field community.
The ASANA Softball World Series 2011 will be hosted by The City of Brotherly Love Softball League (CBLSL) in Philadelphia, PA from 23-27 August 2011!
The members of CBLSL and the Bring the Love Host Committee are hard at work planning exciting events every night of the series.Come out and explore Philadelphia with hundreds of other softball-loving fans.
WWB Cup III, the international Wrestlers Without Borders LGBT wrestling championship held in non-Gay Games years, will take place Saturday 24 September 2011 in San Francisco, hosted by Golden Gate Wrestling Club. This will also be the Don Jung Memorial Tournament, hosted each year by GGWC.
Registration for PanterESports 2011 is already open! Panteres Grogues are looking forward seeing you in Barcelona from 16-18 September 2011!
You are welcome to join us in the biggest LGBT sports event in southern Europe, celebrating its 5th edition this year. You’ll find three days filled with sports, cultural events, parties, sun and sea by the Mediterranean.
Pink Power is a Martial Arts event founded 1999 by BUSHIDO München, Munich’s gay and lesbian karate club. Since then it has taken place in various European cities such as Paris, London, and Cologne.
In honor of the 15th anniversary of the founding club, Pink Power is returning to Munich this year from 16-18 September 2011. As always it will offer a broad selection of performances and workshops held by international renowned masters from different Martial Arts and styles. Take the chance and meet other Martial Artists practicing Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Kung Fu, Taekwondo and many more. But don’t worry, you don’t have to know all these styles – everyone is warmly welcome, no matter of their style or skill!
As a plus, those of you who like to party can enjoy the big gay & lesbian event in the “Bräurosl” beer tent at the Munich Oktoberfest on Sunday evening.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Munich 2011!
Petition against religious-based homophobia in Nigerian national football team
This Sunday 26 June, Nigeria will take the field against France in Sinsheim, Germany for the opening game of the World Cup. The players on this team, and the players excluded from this team, are victims of religious-based homophobia, a witch hunt reported this week in the New York Times, aimed as kicking women off the national team, “not because they were bad players, but because they were lesbians.”
This petition, supported by the Federation of Gay Games and the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association, among others, urges FIFA, football's international governing body, to publicly condemn this kind of systematic discrimination and to sanction the Nigerian Football Federation in order to bring an end to this discrimination and abuse.
Emy Ritt of Paris, co-president of the Federation of Gay Games, stated that the FGG would be wholeheartedly supporting the petition, and asking its member organizations and friends of the Gay Games to sign: “The truest values of sport are those of sport for all. This means sport in which everyone is welcome and everyone is safe, whatever their sexual identity and sexual orientation. The actions of the Nigerian team are contrary to our values of participation, inclusion and personal best for all, which should be the values of FIFA and sportspeople everywhere.”
Until the end of this month (August 31st of 2011) youll have the chance to register for a fabulous event at an advantage price of 140,- euro. From the 1st of September 2011 the registration will be raised to 160,- euro. So save valuable money now for other things to do during the worldOutgames in Antwerp, so you can shop till you drop!
HINTYou can always change your chosen sport or activity later on, just in case you havent decided whether you want to wet yourself in the swimming pool or on the dance floor ;-)
So if you were planning on registering, do it now and save money for your superb time in Antwerp, Belgium in 2013! We will make sure it is worth while!
The worldOutgames Antwerp 2013 Team wishes you lots of Love United.
-----Original Message-----
From: info <info@...>
To: mrmichaelclark <mrmichaelclark@...>
Sent: Thu, Nov 3, 2011 5:20 pm
Subject: Participate! Newsletter of the Gay Games - Vol 8 Issue 5
The Federation of Gay Games Annual General Assembly took place in Toronto, Ontario, from Sunday 23 October through Tuesday 25 October. The agenda featured meetings of most FGG committees, elections for several board positions, and votes on a number of bylaw changes and other motions, many concerning plans for a joint FGG-GLISA sports and culture event in 2018.
Over 60 FGG member delegates, observers, Honorary Life Members and Board Members were present from Europe, North America and the Pacific.
At the request of participants in the meeting, sessions for discussion about this joint event were held each day, in the presence of Wessel Van Kampen, co-president of GLISA who made the trip from the Netherlands to join us. Also present was Jan Froehlich, secretary general of the European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation.
Presentations were made by the host of Gay Games VIII held last year in Cologne, Germany, and from our next hosts for Gay Games 9 in 2014 in Cleveland+Akron.
Participants and visitors were impressed by the organization of the meeting and the content of the discussions.
Other highlights included the traditional Memorial Moment, and our awards ceremony on Monday 24 October at Woody’s bar.
FGG Members can find detailed reports, minutes and presentations on the FGG Intranet here.
Awards
Brian Burke
Angela James
The FGG has announced the following individuals and organizations that were honored in Toronto: • Straight Ally Legacy Award: Brian Burke, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League's Toronto Maple Leafs
• Women in Sport Legacy Award: Angela James, the first woman in the Ice Hockey Hall of Fame
• Legacy Award for a Local Sports Group: Toronto Gay (Flag) Football League
• Local Hero Legacy Awards for Stephanie Johnstone and Rob Lavery
• Legacy Award for an FGG Member Organization: International Gay Bowling Organization
• Social Justice Legacy Award for Ndumie Funda and Luleki Sizwe campaign against “corrective rape” in South Africa
Also honored will be FGG’s 2011 Volunteers of the Year, Israel Wright and Kate Rowe.
The FGG is pleased to share a message from our friends at the Sin City Shootout, an event supported by several FGG member organizations:
A winter sports festival for LGBT athletes is taking place this January 12-15, 2012 in Las Vegas Nevada.
The 5th annual Sin City Shootout, which began in 2007 as just a softball tournament, has grown into a multi-sport event offering softball, tennis, wrestling and bodybuilding competitions.
Over 3,000 athletes will be traveling from across North America to participate in this weekend-long event.
We expect 2,250 players softball players, with an additional 750 athletes from the other sports on the program, and of course many friends and fans being a part of the event.
The event is coordinated by the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association, with tournament director Eric Ryan saying their number one goal is the athletes: “Everything we do is with the athlete in mind” Ryan said. “This includes great deals on travel, a central host hotel and discounted restaurants throughout the event that participants can take advantage of. They are traveling from across North America and we need to make them feel as welcomed as we can.”
With a central host hotel having over 1,000 rooms reserved for the event, nightly parties and social events throughout the weekend, this is sure to be a hit for all those involved.
The vision according to Ryan is to slowly add 1 or 2 sports each year to make it a true winter sports festival.
For more information on the Sin City Shootout or to make sure your sport is represented in future years, visit sincityshootout.com
Ambassador launch
Sydney saw the best Gay Games Ambassador launch ever last 1 September, with a dinner organized with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association (SGLBA) and Team Sydney.
The event, organized by Kate Rowe with FGG board members Paul White and Jon Baldan, inducted Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham and Olympic speed skater Blake Skjellerup as new Ambassadors for the LGBT sport and culture movement. The emcee was Dr Kerryn Phelps, TV personality, activist, and former head of the Australian Medical Association, with current Ambassador Michelle Ferris, herself an Olympic medal winner in cycling, officially welcoming Blake and Matthew.
Among those present were City Councillor Phillip Black, representing the mayor of Sydney, and the New South Wales Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley.
After the event, Michelle wrote: “Had a great time welcoming Matt Mitcham and Blake Skjellerup into the Gay Games Ambassador family. The evening was a great opportunity to catch up with some familiar faces from the FGG and to talk about the upcoming games in Cleveland+Akron and to welcome the boys into a great family. I’m looking forward to seeing Blake and Matthew again as we promote Gay Games 9 here in Australia over the next few years.”
We thank sponsor Proteus Leadership Centres and the many donors who made this event such a success.
Champions 4 Change
Everyone who has participated in the Gay Games knows what a life changing experience it can be.
Become a Champion 4 Change and help others to experience the unique character of the Gay Games by donating to the Federation of Gay Games - and then tell us your story of how taking part in the Gay Games has made a difference to your life.
The very easiest way to support the Gay Games at absolutely no cost is simply to start your next search on Amazon via the Gay Games blog. Just start in the Amazon search box for your country and any purchases you make will generate a commission for the FGG. The price is the same, but many small commissions can add up to significant amounts for FGG programs, including Gay Games scholarships.
For the last few months a tax dispute with the state of California has suspended this program, but it's now back, so don't hesitate to search Amazon via the FGG!
Currently available for US, Canada, UK, France and Germany, and soon in Spain!
An initiative launched by the FGG External Affairs Committee this year has resulted in the formation of a new network support group for LGBT coaches.
Equality Coaching Alliance, launched by FGG volunteer Roger Brigham of Wrestlers Without Borders, was created "as a virtual meeting place for coaches to discuss LGBT coaching issues."
Brigham is proudest of the gender equity achieved by the group's launch: of the 52 active members so far, 26 are women and 26 men.
Brigham, Helen Carroll, director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights Sports Project, and Pat Griffin, director of GLSEN Sports Project, have led a group discussion to create an organizational roadmap for ECA. Currently the group is exploring what kind of mutually beneficial relationship it can have with groups such as the FGG, NCLR and the Gay Lesbian Straight Educational Network.
ECA tentatively plans its first membership summit to come in 2012 in Cleveland in conjunction with the FGG Annual General Assembly.
"Right now, because we are so dependent on social media tools such as Facebook to get our group launched, our membership primarily consists of out coaches at the high school and college level," Brigham said. "But when we launch a members website within the next few months, we will be able to actively reach out to the far greater number of coaches who remain in the closet and help them achieve more inclusive and accepting work environments and a safer sports experience for their LGBT athletes. It has been so inspiring to see the wonderful enthusiasm of the coaches with whom we have connected and the lively discussions we are able to have online."
Anyone interested in joining ECA can contact Brigham at rbrigham@....
2-3 December Paris
"Sport and homosexuals, sport for homosexuals: models of integration,examples of rejection", an international conference organized by the French national LGBT sports federation FSGL. Details here
2-4 December Frankfurt Xmas Tournament with 10 sports activities.
And looking ahead, FSGL will be offering a jam-packed Easter weekend, in addition to the TIP Paris International Tournament scheduled for Pentecost weekend (24-26 May 2012). Several events will take place for Easter 2012 :
12 February 2012 Fair Day, Sydney, Australia Celebrate the start of Mardi Gras Festival in 2012 with Team Sydney at Fair Day. Many Team Sydney groups will also have tournaments during Mardi Gras.
Graphic Artist Wanted
Experienced graphic artist required with expertise in designing for websites, print and merchandise.
The FGG always has a need for new graphics so if you are a graphic artist, or know someone who is one, we can use your skills. This is a volunteer position but there may be opportuinites for paid use of materials - plus thusands will see your work!
Send resume with links to examples of your work to marketing@...
In the first weeks of the year, we are sending you all a message with warm and joyful wishes from Antwerp.
All the best wishes for 2012
TheworldOutgames Antwerp 2013Team and the Board of Directorswish you happy holidays and a wonderful start of 2012.
We hope you all have the opportunity to share these days with family and close friends. Give yourself time to slow down and think about who and what really matters!
As Lana Del Ray said: <<Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.>>
The worldOutgames Antwerp team: Dennis, Jan, Jerko, Jeroen, John, Louise, Niki & Steven
Out on Social Media
worldOutgames Antwerp is proud to be out, and we are finally coming out on social media.
Do youloveto ski? Do youlovegayprides? Do youloveCanada?Then we are certain you will loveWinterPRIDE @ Whistler.
Were proud to announce that Whistler WinterPRIDE and World Outgames Antwerp have agreed to become partners in supporting and promoting each others events. Come OUT to Whistler and meet our promotion team
You don't like to receive this message at this email-address? OR you have a friend, collegue, ... who would rather like to receive it?Opt out from the e-mail list
Or let us know vianews@...en we all stay happy and Love United ;-)
Why? Because we believe it brings out the best in us and that it unites us. We support the right of any man or woman to be with the love of his or her life. Hence we are offering you a gift to share with your loved one (partner, friend, colleague …).
If you register for the worldOutgames Antwerp 2013 between February 9th and February 19th 2012 and use the promotion code VALENTINE you’ll get an appealing reduction of € 9,00 on the registration fee. Go ahead and share the news with your loved one and register now for the worldOutgames, so you can lend the scent of Valentine to the prospect of visiting the romantic city of Antwerp.
We are thrilled to let you know that political support for the worldOutgames is steadily increasing. Over the past months we have had positive feedback from various members of the Belgian and European Parliament from a broad political spectrum. This tops up the political support we enjoy at the Flemish level, in the Province of Antwerp and in the Antwerp city council. Our chairman Bart Abeel and PR manager Louise Bettens had a lunch meeting with Guy Verhofstadt, former Belgian Prime Minister and President of the Liberal Group in the European Parliament. And our worldOutgames political dream team met with spokesmen of our current Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo. Both meetings were fruitful because of the moral support that we received and because they have shed light on what further steps to take.
Our team is expanding with 2 new key players
Danny Jacqmot is our new Volunteer Manager. He is a longstanding volunteer at the Antwerp Pink House and WISH (association for the benefit of LGBT refugees and immigrants) and has built up considerable experience as a volunteer manager. He will be creating an attractive volunteer program to guide all local and incoming volunteers in promotional activities prior to and during the worldOutgames in August 2013.
Gerard van Mourik is our new Human Rights Conference manager. Gerard left his hometown of Rotterdam to start this exciting challenging job here. He has worked for over 20 years for many NGO’s (including LGBT ones), mainly in Africa and the Far East, and has the best contacts and insights one could wish for this position. Welcome to both new team members!
We are joining forces
During the last General Assembly of the largest Flemish LGBT-federation çavaria we became an official member. The large Assembly voted yes to our membership. This means that we can work together with all other members of çavaria to strengthen the organization of the worldOutgames. We are proud to become a member and would like to thank çavaria for this opportunity.
Together with the City of Antwerp, worldOutgames hosted a VIP-reception during the Propaganda Party (Berlin’s biggest gay event of the year) at the Goya. It was a huge success. Over 250 VIP’s gathered around at the Balcony of the Goya, joined later by more than 1.500 party-goers. Highlight of the evening was the smashing performance of our Ambassador, international pop diva Kate Ryan. We were featured in a 5 page advertorial distributed in the main German LGBT press. We are grateful to the City of Antwerp and Goya for helping us in making this evening a success. If you want to get a taste of the event, check this video compilation
Did you know that between 1873 and 1934 over 2 million European emigrants sailed from the port of Antwerp aboard the Red Star Line fleet to start a new life in the USA? Among the passengers were poor migrants looking for a better life across the ocean. Some would later become very successful: Arthur Murray, Irving Berlin, Golda Meir and Albert Einstein are just a few of these immigrants. Sons and daughters of Red Star Line passengers also rose to fame, such as Fred Astaire or former US ambassador to Belgium Sam Fox. It is said that today 60 million Americans are direct descendants of people who left the old continent from the port of Antwerp on the Red Star Line. The new Red Star Line museum will open its doors in 2013, so worldOutgames Antwerp will be a perfect occasion to pause and trace some lines in history.
Out on Social Media
worldOutgames Antwerp is proud to be out, and we are finally coming out on social media.
If you think of people you know who might be interested in worldOutgames news, please forward this newsletter to them. And ask them to sign up at our website.
The Boards of the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA International) and the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) announce an important step towards the creation of a joint quadrennial Sport, Culture and Human Rights event (1QE) in 2018.
To provide a strong basis for both organizations to work together, a face to face meeting between the FGG and GLISA International is planned for the weekend of May 5, 2012 in Montreal to discuss a contract that commits the two organizations to work together on joint world events in 2018 and beyond. Board representatives from both organizations will work together to reach an agreement.
The FGG will be represented by board members Dennis Sneyers (USA), Shamey Cramer (USA), and Klaus Heusslein (Italy). GLISA International will be represented by Julia Applegate (USA), Wessel van Kampen (the Netherlands), Nelson Lee (USA), and Daniel Vaudrin (Canada). Both Boards and their legal advisors will be on standby during the weekend to provide feedback and make decisions.
The LGBTQI community has asked both organizations to work together so that there will be one quadrennial event. In response, representatives of both organizations have worked hard over the last two years to create a Memorandum of Understanding agreement for the 1QE. While an agreement has been reached on many issues, the negotiations have been difficult and the two sides thus far have been unable to reach a full agreement.
The Montreal meeting will be the final attempt by both organizations to reach an agreement for 1QE in 2018. Since the deadline for initiating the site selection process for the 2018 host is nearing, the objective of this meeting will be to reach a full agreement on the MOU between the FGG and GLISA International by May 6.
Once the MOU is agreed upon, a Request for Proposal (RFP) document will be issued. This will intitiate an open and transparent process to select the host for the 1QE in 2018.
For additional information and comments, please contact GLISA International and the Federation of Gay Games:
The Boards of the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA) and the Federation of Gay Games met in Montrealon May 5 and 6, 2012 in an effort to come to an agreement on the creation of one quadrennial event (1QE) for 2018. After over two years of discussions and negotiations, both organizations regret to announce that even though every attempt was made to do so, an agreement was not reached.
Both Boards, with the support of their memberships, had every intention to re-unite the international LGBTQIQ community around a new event based on three components: Sports, Culture and Human Rights. This1QE wouldhave combined the achievements and long standing history of both organizations and their events.
The Boards have decided that at this moment, both organizations are unable to reconcile their differences in time for the 2018 event cycle.
For the final negotiations for the Agreement, the FGG was represented by Dennis Sneyers, Shamey Cramer, Klaus Heusslein and Kurt Dahl;GLISA international was represented by Julia Applegate, Nelson Lee, Daniel Vaudrin and Wessel van Kampen.
The Boards are disappointed, but hope remains that an agreement will be reached over the next few years to create a future joint event for the next cycle of 1QE and that the future discussions will be fruitful.
The boards of both organizationswould like to thank the many members, partner organizations and individual participants that have continued to support the attempts to re-unite the international LGBTQIQ community around Sport, Culture and Human Rights.
Special thanks to the Fiert Montral Pride for providing us with a meeting venue. Thanks also go to Jason Stone and Catherine Meade for their contributions to the negotiations.
It is the intent of both organizations to continue negotiations in the future to provide the global community with great events.
Send Email
WWB Cup III, the international Wrestlers Without Borders LGBT wrestling championship held in non-Gay Games years, will take place Saturday 24 September 2011 in San Francisco, hosted by Golden Gate Wrestling Club. This will also be the Don Jung Memorial Tournament, hosted each year by GGWC.
Registration for PanterESports 2011 is already open! Panteres Grogues are looking forward seeing you in Barcelona from 16-18 September 2011!
Pink Power is a Martial Arts event founded 1999 by BUSHIDO München, Munich’s gay and lesbian karate club. Since then it has taken place in various European cities such as Paris, London, and Cologne.
The Federation of Gay Games Annual General Assembly took place in Toronto, Ontario, from Sunday 23 October through Tuesday 25 October. The agenda featured meetings of most FGG committees, elections for several board positions, and votes on a number of bylaw changes and other motions, many concerning plans for a joint FGG-GLISA sports and culture event in 2018.
The FGG is pleased to share a message from our friends at the Sin City Shootout, an event supported by several FGG member organizations:
Sydney saw the best Gay Games Ambassador launch ever last 1 September, with a dinner organized with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association (SGLBA) and Team Sydney.
