The second World Outgames kicks off on July 25 in Copenhagen, Denmark, promising seven days of sports, culture and advocacy.
While tournaments will be held in 38 different sporting disciplines across the week for competitors at all skill levels, Outgames also includes a programme of performances, exhibitions and parties.
A popular part of the cultural programme is Outcities, an exhibition in which Rio de Janeiro, Tel Aviv, Melbourne, Antwerp and Mexico City showcase the best aspects of GLBT life in their cities.
World Outgames 2009 will also feature a simultaneous human rights conference which will look at themes such as culture and media, health, education and, of course, sport, and Copenhagen Pride will be held to coincide with the games.
The first World Outgames, held in Montreal in 2006 attracted more than 18,000 participants from 111 countries and organisers are hoping Copenhagen will be as popular.
Almost 5,000 participants from 84 countries have already registered for the 2009 Outgames, and despite the numbers being well below expectations, organisers are pleased with the response.
‘I am extremely happy that in these turbulent economic times, we have managed to get so many people from all corners of the world to come to Copenhagen this summer,’ said World Outgames CEO, Uffe Elbaek.
Mr Elbaek says Outgames strives to be a diverse event and offers financial support to competitors who do not have the means to travel to the competition.
‘The whole world is coming to Copenhagen and we have worked toward our goal of ensuring that participants from places such as Africa, Asia and not least the Middle East, have the opportunity to come to Copenhagen for the Outgames.
‘This is thanks to our special financial Outreach programme, which is targeted at less well-off homosexuals from those parts of the world.’
With only weeks to go before the opening ceremony in Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, organisers are adding the final touches to the programme and the excitement is building.
‘The whole of Copenhagen is already buzzing with enthusiasm and creativity to make sure that the Outgames week will be as impressive an experience for everyone as possible,’ said Mr Elbaek.
‘Every part of the LGBT community is working to make the street parties, events and demonstrations happen which will create the life and dynamics Outames will stand for.’
The following World Outgames will be held in Antwerp, Belgium in 2013.
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