- Cologne selected host for 2010 Gay Games VIII

ELTON JOHN BECOMES GAY GAMES AMBASSADOR

Global superstar joins others in support of the quadrennial sport and cultural event

The Federation of Gay Games is proud to announce that Sir Elton John has become a Gay Games Ambassador.

Music has always been at the centre of the Gay Games, from band and choral events to the always-inspirational opening and closing ceremonies, with numerous pop, classical, jazz, R&B, country and other styles featuring prominently in other performances throughout a Gay Games week.

“The Gay Games also have always focused attention on matters of HIV and AIDS, and they continue to do so through events such as the International Rainbow Run”, said Sir Elton. “Many people living with HIV and AIDS have been full participants and some have even set world records. It’s a wonderful event that encourages fitness and personal best for people of all ages and abilities”.

Sir Elton John’s career has spanned more than 35 years as one of the world's most successful touring artists and one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. In the last 15 years, Sir Elton has become a noted humanitarian, particularly for starting the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of programs for AIDS prevention, for the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals, and for providing services to people living with or at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

“We feel truly honoured that Sir Elton John has accepted our invitation to become an Ambassador for the Gay Games”, said Roberto Mantaci, Co-President of the Federation of Gay Games. “For many years, he has been an ‘ambassador’ for the entire LGBT community, particularly through his charitable work, and his contribution has been immense”.

- GAY GAMES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE BY 1 JANUARY 2006

Financial scholarships have helped more than 850 people from around the world attend the Gay Games since 1994, bringing the global LGBT community together in a celebration of sport and culture as never before. The FGG, governing body of the Gay Games, and the Chicago hosts of Gay Games 2006, are accepting applications for the Gay Games VII Scholarship Program.

The two organisations are mounting a global campaign to inform potential participants about Gay Games VII, the sports and cultural festival to be held in Chicago, 15-22 July 2006, and the scholarships that are available. The deadline for submitting scholarship applications is 1 January 2006. The Gay Games VII Scholarship Program continues the outreach legacy of previous Gay Games.

Sandra Villalobos of Colombia played football (soccer) at Gay Games VI with scholarship assistance from the Federation's Coe Scholarship Fund. She said, "In Colombia, it is very hard to get in touch with someone that understands you. At the Gay Games, it was more than I expected. It was so nice to finally meet people who are like me, who understand me, and are interested in me".

Application forms and information about the Gay Games VII Scholarship Program are available below. If you have any questions email scholarship@gaygames.org.

Application form

- A SECTION BY AND FOR THE PARTICIPANTS

The Federation website has launched a new section specially dedicated for Gay Games sports and cultural participants. It features profiles written by coaches and athletes and offers enthusiasts in the Gay Games Movement to connect with each other.

Following the theme of the Gay Games principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best, the section offers insights into Gay Games history, gives information about applying for Gay Games scholarship assistance and keeps you up on the latest news from the Chicago Gay Games.

The new section is part of a graphic overhaul that is being done to make the FGG website easier to use for news media and sports and cultural participants. Keep checking back for new developments.
Gay Games Website

- 2006 GAY SPORTS AND CULTURE CALENDAR - ADD YOUR EVENT NOW!

While the Gay Games is the most important event in the LGBT Sports Calendar in 2006, there are many other LGBT sports and cultural events taking place thoughout the year.

Many Gay Games participants will look for events before July to practice their skills. Those who attend the Games may want to explore the opportunities to carry on with their chosen sport or take up a new one they have seen - so it's important to add your upcoming sports and cultural events to the Federation of Gay Games Calendar below:

Gay Games Calendar

- GAY GAMES LOGO AVAILABLE FOR TEAMS HEADING TO CHICAGO.

For the first time, teams preparing for Chicago in mid-July 2006 can demonstrate their pride in being part of the Gay Games movement by having the official Gay Games logo added to their uniforms and other merchandise. The Federation of Gay Games has created a simple procedure that teams can follow to gain permission to add the universally-known “interlocking rings” that form the Gay Games logo.

Thanks to the pioneering spirit of Team San Francisco, teams of all types (representing cities, countries, or individual sports) now have an opportunity to make their Gay Games experience even better. When Team SF designed their uniforms and trading pin for the Chicago Gay Games, they included the "interlocking circles" from the Federation of Gay Games logo. Their intent was to visibly demonstrate their loyalty to the Gay Games movement by featuring these "rings" below their own logo.

“San Francisco has always been known as the city ‘Where the Games Began!’, so we are proud to be the first city team to add the official Gay Games logo to our Chicago 2006 uniforms,” said Ross Hayduk, Team San Francisco Board Member and Delegate to the Federation of Gay Games. “I encourage our fellow LGBT sports teams and organizations to join us in showing support for the Gay Games by adding this historic symbol to their uniforms as well!”

To apply to use the Gay Games logo or if you have any questions regarding this exciting opportunity for your team, click below.

Gay Games Marketing