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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Alexander proud of his Gay Games Victory
Former bodybuilding champion, Lucas Alexander, has triumphed at the Gay Games in Cologne to bring home the Gold Medal for Great Britain.
Competing in the Senior category (for ages 21-39) Alexander outclassed all the other competitors with his stunning physique.
Lucas is no stranger to competitive bodybuilding and has previously won titles at
Won 1995 Heavyweight British Bodybuilding Championship, then immediately turned professional
Won Under 21 British Bodybuilding Championship (1993),runner up Under 21 European Bodybuilding Championship (1993) and won Under 18 British Bodybuilding Championship (1990)
On accepting his gold medal Lucas said “I was very proud to represent my country at this international event and I am delighted I could win this title for Britain.”
He also congratulated the other competitors; “I was up against some top athletes who really caused me to up my game in order to take the top title. They really were a great bunch of guys and the atmosphere was friendly and collegiate, even though there was a world title at stake.”
Alexander has been in preparation for this event for several months. “This is the hardest I have ever worked for a competition. Preparing for a major event is always hard but coming back to it after a long break has meant I needed to put in extra effort all along the way.”
Next Lucas plans to compete in European Championships but first he has scheduled himself a short break. “I need to eat normally for a while and treat myself to all those things I had to cut out in order to get excellent muscle definition. The first thing I am going to do as soon as I get home is have a strawberry cup cake.”
About Lucas Alexander.
Alexander, 37, is a London born muscle, fitness and nutrition coach who provides personal training advice to a range of clients including athletes, celebrities, executives and anyone who wants to get great muscle definition. He runs an online training practice through is website www.lucasalexander.net.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Formal Closing Ceremony at the Tanzbrunnen
With a great party the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will end on Saturday, Aug, 7. At the Tanzbrunnen in Deutz the participants and spectators can expect a diverse show program with fire artists and high class cheerleaders from the US, who already provided a great show at the Neumarkt. The great choir, who sang already at the opening ceremony, will be performing at the closing ceremony as well. A DJ will be playing trendy music.
The closing ceremony will also have ceremonial moments. The Gay Games Flame will be extinguished after one week. Following, the flag of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) will be handed over to the team from Cleveland, where the next Gay Games will take place. Mayor of Cologne, Elfi Scho-Antwerpes will thank the 10.000 participants in the name of Cologne.
Afterwards samba drummers will turn up the heat for the visitors. The official Gay Games hymn “Facing the miracle” will be sung again. For many participants the Gay Games mean a week of freedom as in many countries homosexuality cannot be lived openly. The sense of community belongs to the spirit of the Gay Games. At the closing ceremony the participants from 70 nations should feel this atmosphere again.
Tickets for the closing ceremony are available at www.games-cologne.com or at the Gay Games Shop at the Neumarkt Mall. Remaining tickets will be sold at the evening box office. Tickets are at 20 Euros (18 Euros with the IKEA Family card)
The closing ceremony of the Gay Games
Date : Saturday, Aug, 7
Start: 7 pm
Location: Tanzbrunnen, Koeln-Deutz
Ticket presale : www.games-cologne.com
The closing ceremony will also have ceremonial moments. The Gay Games Flame will be extinguished after one week. Following, the flag of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) will be handed over to the team from Cleveland, where the next Gay Games will take place. Mayor of Cologne, Elfi Scho-Antwerpes will thank the 10.000 participants in the name of Cologne.
Afterwards samba drummers will turn up the heat for the visitors. The official Gay Games hymn “Facing the miracle” will be sung again. For many participants the Gay Games mean a week of freedom as in many countries homosexuality cannot be lived openly. The sense of community belongs to the spirit of the Gay Games. At the closing ceremony the participants from 70 nations should feel this atmosphere again.
Tickets for the closing ceremony are available at www.games-cologne.com or at the Gay Games Shop at the Neumarkt Mall. Remaining tickets will be sold at the evening box office. Tickets are at 20 Euros (18 Euros with the IKEA Family card)
The closing ceremony of the Gay Games
Date : Saturday, Aug, 7
Start: 7 pm
Location: Tanzbrunnen, Koeln-Deutz
Ticket presale : www.games-cologne.com
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Gay Games® VIII Set to Open in Germany This Saturday 31 July
2200 Americans are among 9500 participating athletes from 65 Countries
Cologne, Germany – The 8th international Gay Games® will get underway in Cologne, Germany, this Saturday with a lavish Opening Ceremony at RheinEnergie Stadium, the 40,000-seat home stadium of the city’s football club. The 2010 Gay Games will be the continent’s largest sports & cultural festival since the Gay Games were last in Amsterdam in 1998. Many of the 9500 athletes and artists, including 2200 Americans, are already enroute to Germany’s “gay capital” on the Rhine River. They will participate in 34 different sports and 5 cultural events from 31 July to 7 August when the Gay Games close. Full details are available at http://www.games-cologne.com/
Opening Ceremony
The Gay Games Opening Ceremony will feature the traditional parade of athletes and will be officially opened by openly gay German Vice Chancellor Dr. Guido Westerwelle. Performers include international pop sensation and Swedish “Idol” winner Agnes and American diva Taylor Dayne performing the brand new Gay Games anthem, “Facing a Miracle.” Information about television broadcasts and live web-streaming will be announced at www.games-cologne.com in coming days.
History
Cologne marks the 8th quadrennial Gay Games. First held in 1982 in San Francisco, the Gay Games have become one of the world’s largest sporting events, routinely drawing more athletes than the Olympics. Previous host cities have included San Francisco (1982, 1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Amsterdam (1998), Sydney (2002), and Chicago (2006). In four years, Gay Games IX will take place in Cleveland/Akron in 2014.
While the 9500 participating athletes are fewer than participated in Chicago in 2006 (11,700), the Cologne organizers are ecstatic at the numbers. “We planned for as few as 8,000 participants given the worldwide economic downturn,” said Annette Wachter, CEO of Games Cologne. “We’ve exceeded our projections and can’t wait to welcome everyone to Cologne.” The 9,500 participants do not include another almost 2,000 locals who will be participating in the half-marathon. Each Gay Games injects $50 to $80 million into the local economy with 10 years of residual tourism impact.
The Gay Games were founded by American Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell and are based upon the principles of Inclusion, Participation and Personal Best™. The Gay Games are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or ability. Many of the competitions are run similarly to international Master’s competitions with divisions established for age and gender. Team sports have divisions based upon ability allowing competitive as well as recreational athletes to participate. Cultural events are also open to all including band, chorus and cheer teams.
Statistics from the 2010 Gay Games
Countries with more than 30 participants: Germany (2955), United States (2219), United Kingdom (841), Netherlands (658), France (524), Australia (363) Switzerland (248), Canada (196), Belgium (161), Denmark (147), Italy (140), Spain (105), Austria (95), Ireland (89), Norway (62), Hungary (52), New Zealand (52), Czech Republic (52), Sweden (49), Russian Federation (49), Finland (45), South Africa (39), and Croatia (30).
Other countries with at least one participant include: Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Montenegro, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.
Worldwide, the 10 cities with the largest number of participants include (in order) Cologne, London, Berlin, Paris, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Munich, Hamburg, New York and Chicago.
Soccer is the most popular sport 1055 participating athletes. Other top sports include Swimming (896), Volleyball (847), Tennis (617), Marathon/Half (600 + 2000 locals), Road Races/5K & 10K (545), Dancesport (512), Track & Field (455), Badminton (414) and Basketball.
Other sporting & cultural events being offered include: Band Festival, Beach Volleyball, Bodybuilding (Physique), Bowling, Bridge, Cheerleading, Chess, Choir Festival, Cycling, Diving, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Handball, Ice Hockey, Inline Speed Skating, Martial Arts, Pool-Billiard, Powerlifting, Sailing, Softball, Sport Climbing, Sport Shooting, Squash, Synchronised Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Triathlon Team, Visual Arts, Water Polo, and Wrestling.
Cologne, Germany – The 8th international Gay Games® will get underway in Cologne, Germany, this Saturday with a lavish Opening Ceremony at RheinEnergie Stadium, the 40,000-seat home stadium of the city’s football club. The 2010 Gay Games will be the continent’s largest sports & cultural festival since the Gay Games were last in Amsterdam in 1998. Many of the 9500 athletes and artists, including 2200 Americans, are already enroute to Germany’s “gay capital” on the Rhine River. They will participate in 34 different sports and 5 cultural events from 31 July to 7 August when the Gay Games close. Full details are available at http://www.games-cologne.com/
Opening Ceremony
The Gay Games Opening Ceremony will feature the traditional parade of athletes and will be officially opened by openly gay German Vice Chancellor Dr. Guido Westerwelle. Performers include international pop sensation and Swedish “Idol” winner Agnes and American diva Taylor Dayne performing the brand new Gay Games anthem, “Facing a Miracle.” Information about television broadcasts and live web-streaming will be announced at www.games-cologne.com in coming days.
History
Cologne marks the 8th quadrennial Gay Games. First held in 1982 in San Francisco, the Gay Games have become one of the world’s largest sporting events, routinely drawing more athletes than the Olympics. Previous host cities have included San Francisco (1982, 1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Amsterdam (1998), Sydney (2002), and Chicago (2006). In four years, Gay Games IX will take place in Cleveland/Akron in 2014.
While the 9500 participating athletes are fewer than participated in Chicago in 2006 (11,700), the Cologne organizers are ecstatic at the numbers. “We planned for as few as 8,000 participants given the worldwide economic downturn,” said Annette Wachter, CEO of Games Cologne. “We’ve exceeded our projections and can’t wait to welcome everyone to Cologne.” The 9,500 participants do not include another almost 2,000 locals who will be participating in the half-marathon. Each Gay Games injects $50 to $80 million into the local economy with 10 years of residual tourism impact.
The Gay Games were founded by American Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell and are based upon the principles of Inclusion, Participation and Personal Best™. The Gay Games are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or ability. Many of the competitions are run similarly to international Master’s competitions with divisions established for age and gender. Team sports have divisions based upon ability allowing competitive as well as recreational athletes to participate. Cultural events are also open to all including band, chorus and cheer teams.
Statistics from the 2010 Gay Games
Countries with more than 30 participants: Germany (2955), United States (2219), United Kingdom (841), Netherlands (658), France (524), Australia (363) Switzerland (248), Canada (196), Belgium (161), Denmark (147), Italy (140), Spain (105), Austria (95), Ireland (89), Norway (62), Hungary (52), New Zealand (52), Czech Republic (52), Sweden (49), Russian Federation (49), Finland (45), South Africa (39), and Croatia (30).
Other countries with at least one participant include: Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Montenegro, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.
Worldwide, the 10 cities with the largest number of participants include (in order) Cologne, London, Berlin, Paris, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Munich, Hamburg, New York and Chicago.
Soccer is the most popular sport 1055 participating athletes. Other top sports include Swimming (896), Volleyball (847), Tennis (617), Marathon/Half (600 + 2000 locals), Road Races/5K & 10K (545), Dancesport (512), Track & Field (455), Badminton (414) and Basketball.
Other sporting & cultural events being offered include: Band Festival, Beach Volleyball, Bodybuilding (Physique), Bowling, Bridge, Cheerleading, Chess, Choir Festival, Cycling, Diving, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Handball, Ice Hockey, Inline Speed Skating, Martial Arts, Pool-Billiard, Powerlifting, Sailing, Softball, Sport Climbing, Sport Shooting, Squash, Synchronised Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Triathlon Team, Visual Arts, Water Polo, and Wrestling.
FORD IS OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE GAY GAMES VIII
Cologne, July, 28 2010 – On Monday this week July, 26, 6 vehicles, provided by Ford for the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010, were handed over to the drivers. This is only one component of the official partnership between the Ford factory Cologne and the organizers of the Gay Games.
Ford overall provides 65 employees within the community-involvement-initiative to support the Games at 157 shifts. 6 vehicles are provided also, four Transits, a Focus as well as a Mondeo which will be used for transportation of athletes and volunteers. Furthermore, the parking lot at the Fuehlinger See, owned by Ford will be open to the public during the races on the lake.
At the Gay Games, taking place every 4 years, nearly 10.000 participants from over 70 nations have registered. 35 sports, 5 cultural events are on the program and numerous events and parties are on the supporting program.
According to the motto “Be part of it!” “Diversity” base of Ford, naturally everybody can participate at the Games from July, 31 till Aug, 7, no matter the sexual identity.
The Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will be declared formally open with a spectacular show on Saturday, July, 31 2010 at the RheinEnergieStadium. Tickets from 27,50 Euro at www.games-cologne.de.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Two-Day Baby Dragon 180 Ride Roars Into Gear
We received this information this morning from the LA Gay Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to compete in Cycling and raise money for homeless gay youth. Our community sometimes forgets about those of us who aren't old enough to be seen in a bar, so this sheds light on an issue for which there should be more awareness.
Beautiful, Fully Supported Ride from L.A. to Santa Barbara and Back, Sept. 25-26,
Supports L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Life-saving Services
LOS ANGELES, July 27, 2010 –Ready to leave the city behind and enjoy a weekend ride—on a bike—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside? On Saturday, September 25 those ready for a unique and fun get-away will kick their wheels into gear as participants in the second annual Baby Dragon 180 Ride—a fully supported two-day bike ride from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and back.
Registration, limited to just 150 (experienced and novice) cyclists, is still open for the 180-mile ride that benefits several life-saving programs of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and is produced by the same team that has made the seven-day AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) such a success. The beautiful route takes riders on a scenic journey through some of Southern California’s most picturesque beaches, rolling hills, vineyards and orange groves. All meals and accommodations are included in the cost of registration, including a night at the quaint Lemon Tree Inn in Santa Barbara.
“Even if you’ve never pedaled a bike before, I promise you the Baby Dragon 180 Ride is your chance to say YES to a challenge that can and will change your life,” says actor Chad Allen (Saved; Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman). “Come coast down the California shoreline with a pack of like-minded souls dedicated to making the world a better place.”
For those who have considered riding from San Francisco to Los Angeles as participants in AIDS/LifeCycle but don’t feel quite ready for that commitment, the Baby Dragon Ride offers a great taste of the ALC experience and regular training rides help participants prepare—even those who have little or no cycling experience. And a customizable web tools make it simple for each participant to raise the $1,000 minimum that supports the Center’s Mental Health Services, Crystal Meth Recovery Services and programs for LGBT youth.
The event is named in honor of a young Center client (nicknamed “Baby Dragon”) who died two years ago. A group of his friends and family helped create the Baby Dagon Fund, which supports Center services that help LGBT youth and others receive the counseling and care they need to live fulfilling, drug-free lives.
Until July 31, participants can take advantage of a special two-for-one deal on registration by sending e-mail to info@babydragon180ride.org or calling 323-860-7374. For more information about the Baby Dragon 180 Ride, go to www.babydragon180ride.org.
Beautiful, Fully Supported Ride from L.A. to Santa Barbara and Back, Sept. 25-26,
Supports L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Life-saving Services
LOS ANGELES, July 27, 2010 –Ready to leave the city behind and enjoy a weekend ride—on a bike—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside? On Saturday, September 25 those ready for a unique and fun get-away will kick their wheels into gear as participants in the second annual Baby Dragon 180 Ride—a fully supported two-day bike ride from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and back.
Registration, limited to just 150 (experienced and novice) cyclists, is still open for the 180-mile ride that benefits several life-saving programs of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and is produced by the same team that has made the seven-day AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) such a success. The beautiful route takes riders on a scenic journey through some of Southern California’s most picturesque beaches, rolling hills, vineyards and orange groves. All meals and accommodations are included in the cost of registration, including a night at the quaint Lemon Tree Inn in Santa Barbara.
“Even if you’ve never pedaled a bike before, I promise you the Baby Dragon 180 Ride is your chance to say YES to a challenge that can and will change your life,” says actor Chad Allen (Saved; Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman). “Come coast down the California shoreline with a pack of like-minded souls dedicated to making the world a better place.”
For those who have considered riding from San Francisco to Los Angeles as participants in AIDS/LifeCycle but don’t feel quite ready for that commitment, the Baby Dragon Ride offers a great taste of the ALC experience and regular training rides help participants prepare—even those who have little or no cycling experience. And a customizable web tools make it simple for each participant to raise the $1,000 minimum that supports the Center’s Mental Health Services, Crystal Meth Recovery Services and programs for LGBT youth.
The event is named in honor of a young Center client (nicknamed “Baby Dragon”) who died two years ago. A group of his friends and family helped create the Baby Dagon Fund, which supports Center services that help LGBT youth and others receive the counseling and care they need to live fulfilling, drug-free lives.
Until July 31, participants can take advantage of a special two-for-one deal on registration by sending e-mail to info@babydragon180ride.org or calling 323-860-7374. For more information about the Baby Dragon 180 Ride, go to www.babydragon180ride.org.
We have GAY GAMES Tickets to give away!
Are you going to be in Cologne for the gay games? Want to get into all ticketed events at the Gay Games? Want be a VIP at the Opening AND Closing Ceremonies?
We have two tickets for anyone who wants them. The first person to email alfonzo@competemag.com with GAY GAMES COLOGNE 2010 in the subject line will win the tickets.
We have two tickets for anyone who wants them. The first person to email alfonzo@competemag.com with GAY GAMES COLOGNE 2010 in the subject line will win the tickets.
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