Gay Games on the road to success –registrations surpass projections!

2,500 registrations for the VIII Gay Games Cologne 2010

The Cologne Gay Games is pleased with the on-going success of registrations for Gay Games VIII in Germany next year.

“We are ahead of projections at this moment. Experience shows that more than half of all Gay Games participants register in the last few last months before the Opening Ceremony. Especially in times of economic crisis, when most people are not able to make long-term decisions, we are even more pleased with this overwhelming success!” adds Michael Lohaus, co-president of the Cologne Gay Games.

The success is the result of the many public relations activities of the Games Cologne team. “We have been present at many sport meetings and LGBT events. In addition, two Cologne promotion teams traveled through the USA recently and presented Gay Games VIII in 20 American cities.”

In a conversation with the Interior Minister of North Rhine-Westfalia, Dr. Ingo Wolf, Games Cologne Co-president Lohaus and project manager Armin Lohrmann made clear the significance of the event for the region and the country. The discussions included topics such as integration, health, and anti-doping, which are all important considerations for Gay Games VIII.

Kelly Stevens, the Federation of Gay Games Officer of Communications, stated "We are delighted in the rapid increase in registrations. We all sing "Viva Colognia" to this news." Stevens also said "The Federation of Gay Games is very pleased with Games Cologne's organisation of Gay Games VIII."

The VIII Gay Games Cologne 2010 will take place between 31 July and 7 August. With 34 sports and 5 cultural events, the Cologne Gay Games will welcome over 12,000 participants, more than the Olympic Games. On 31 July 2010, 34 000 spectators will celebrate in the RheinEnergieStadion with Gay Games participants at the Opening Ceremony.

The Gay Games is an international sports and cultural event which takes place every 4 years, under the guiding principles of “Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™”.

On 11/11 at 11:11 AM the famous Cologner Carnival begins in Cologne

11 is a magical number in the Rhineland. This is especially valid for Cologne. For the Cologner, the 11 looks like their beloved cathedral, the landmark of the city. Cologners love their carnival even more, which traditionally begins on 11/11 at 11:11 AM. The Cologner Carnival reflects a lot of the same values as the Gay Games.
This is reason enough for the Cologne Gay Games to sweeten the registration offer, 261 days before the Opening Ceremony, with a „Kamellschen“ (a sweet made for the carnival), a sweet registration offer!

Currently the registration fee is 125 euros*. But your fee can be a little bit lower. If you register on 11 November 2009**, we will grant you a discount of 11 euros! Enter the discount code “111109” during your registration, in the “voucher code” field you will find on the payment page at www.games-cologne.com. After you have typed the discount code “111109,” the reduced registration fee of 114 euros will appear on your bill.

We look forward to your registration! And we especially look forward to your participation at the VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010 beginning 31 July. On the program are 34 kinds of sport and 5 cultural events – there’s something for everyone. Additionally we’re planning an extensive social program. You can already book your tickets today for many attractions from our event series „Fans & Friends“.
At the VIII Gay Games Cologne 2010 we will show that all participants – LGBT or not – are created equal and can have a great experience. Be part of it!

By the way: You can find more information about the Cologner Carnival on our website: www.games-cologne.de/en/static/gay-cologne/carnival-a-fantastic-time
And: You can also celebrate the carnival with us during the Gay Games: www.games-cologne.de/en/events/events-2010

* Plus the sport - or the cultural fee of 40 to 100 euros. The exact amount depends on the particular event. You’ll find a list
If you don’t register until 2010, you will pay a registration fee of 150 euros.
** The discount code is valid only on November 11, 2009 between 0:00 AM and 24:00 PM local time in the country from which the registration is made.

Gay Games Registration in the United States

Last Friday, the Games Cologne folks started their East Coast tour in Boston. Tonight they are in New York. On each stop they can get you registered (at a 10 Euro discount), answer questions, get you info on travel, lodging and your sport. If you are in one of the cities below, please make plans to join them.

New York
Monday, November 2 – 6 to 9 pm
Gym Sportsbar, 167 Eighth Avenue, New York
Hosted by: Team New York

Philadelphia
Tuesday, November 3 – 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Tavern on Camac, 243 So. Camac St., Philadelphia
Hosted by: Team Philadelphia

Washington DC
Thursday, November 5 – 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Nellie’s Sports Bar, 900 “U” Street, NW, Washington DC
Hosted by: Team DC

Atlanta
Friday, November 6 – 6:00 to 9:00pm
MIXX Atlanta, 1492B Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta
Hosted by: Team Atlanta

Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Saturday, November 7 – Time & Location TBA
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Houston
Sunday, November 8 – Time & Location TBA
Houston, Texas

Dallas
Monday, November 9 – 6:00 to 10:00pm
Woody’s Bar and Grill, 4011 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas
Hosted by: Team Dallas

Cleveland
Tuesday & Wednesday, November 10 & 11 – 7:00 to 11:00pm
The Tregoning Gallery, 1300 West 78th Street, Cleveland
Hosted By: Team Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio (Site of 2014 Gay Games)

Sexplorations-Gays in Sports

We found this video from gay.com and thought it would be interesting to share with you.