Germany to host
2010 Gay Games

Cologne, Germany, has been selected to host Gay Games VIII in 2010, officials for the sporting event said Monday. The city beat out Paris and Johannesberg, South Africa. The Gay Games has become a sought-after international event by cities worldwide because it signifies a city's inclusiveness, diversity, and creative spirit by welcoming tens of thousands of athletes, artists, and their friends and families who, during Gay Games week, also generate substantial economic benefit for the host city. The Cologne bid committee said, "As one of Europe's most welcoming and diverse cities, Cologne welcomes the international LGBT community, their friends, and families with open arms." The Federation of Gay Games is holding its annual meeting in Chicago this year in part to review plans for 2006's Gay Games VII. FGG copresident Robert Mantaci said, "Progress in Chicago is on track with more sponsors, thousands of athletes already registered, and, for the first time, television coverage of a Gay Games." In addition, Elton John has signed on as one of the Gay Games ambassadors. A competing gay athletic event, the Out Games, begins in Montreal a week after Gay Games VII closes this July in Chicago. Montreal had originally been selected to host the 2006 Gay Games but lost the event in a dispute with the FGG over budgetary control. (David Jennings, Sirius OutQ News)