News
2006-04-13
Illinois town
gives final approval for Gay Games rowing event
Organizers of a
Gay Games rowing competition have received final approval
to hold the event at a suburban Chicago lake duri
Organizers of a
Gay Games rowing competition have received final approval
to hold the event at a suburban Chicago lake during the
Olympics-style gathering of gay athletes this summer.
The Lakewood Village board voted 3–1 Tuesday to
approve the technical changes needed for the July 16
event, TheNorthwest Herald in neighboring Crystal Lake
reported. It was the last of three local boards to
approve the event.
"We're very excited to be coming out here,"
Nancy Harris, sports director of the Gay Games, told
The Chicago Tribune. "It's a wonderful venue."
At emotional park district hearings in March,
opponents argued that the Games are an inappropriate
attempt to legitimize and celebrate the gay
"lifestyle" and that organizers are more interested in
making a social statement than competing. Supporters
had criticized the resistance as discriminatory and
hateful, adding that such opposition underscores
the Gay Games' mission of tearing down gay stereotypes.
Most of the events for the Gay Games are set in
Chicago for July 15–22. Organizers have said
the weeklong competition is expected to draw 12,000
participants, tens of thousands of spectators, and pump more
than $50 million into the local economy. (AP)
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