The Federation of Gay Games is sending two representatives to each of the fina four cities bidding to host the Gay games VII in 2006. Starting Aug. 1, two representatives will be in Chicago to inspect sports and culture venues, and to learn more about the transportation, housing and accommodations of the Windy City.
There is a public board meeting Thursday, Aug. 2, 6-8 p.m. at Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted, to show the site inspectors the operations of Chicago 2006, the organization bidding for the Gay Games. All members of the GLBT community are encouraged to attend to show their support of the bid effort.
SYDNEY GAMES ON TRACK
Meanwhile, in response to media reports of a struggling Gay Games in Sydney set for the end of 2002, the Federation released a press release following a recent inspection down under.
"We're looking forward to hosting a great Gay Games next year," said Sydney 2002 Co-Chair Bev Lange, following a successful site visit by representatives of the Federation of Gay Games.
A 10-person Federation team ended a week of discussions today with Sydney 2002 board members and staff, as well as local government officials and community business leaders.
Rebutting recent negative press reports that stressed disagreements between the Federation and Sydney 2002, officials of both groups said the partnership between the two bodies had reached a new level of comfort and transparency.
"Sydney's new team has inspired confidence and demonstrated they will deliver the Games," said Federation spokesperson Kathleen Webster. "It was surprisingly easy addressing each other's concerns about issues such as the license agreement."
The two groups agreed to reschedule license fee payments to the Federation. Four years ago Sydney had optimistically agreed to a somewhat even spread of license payments. The new proposal more accurately reflects the timing of projected income as registration and sponsorship fees come in closer to the actual dates of Gay Games VI late next year.
Federation officials urged participants to register now. More than 2,000 people have already signed up for the various sports and cultural events through the Sydney 2002 website. Early registration ends Oct. 31 and not only saves each participant AUD$52 ( US$30 ) but provides important cash flow for Sydney 2002.
Government support is important to the success of the Games. "It's clear the discussions have stilled the waters that press reports have stirred up," said Councillor John Fowler, Mayor of South Sydney.
"There's been a spirit of cooperation all week," said Sydney 2002 Co-Chair Peter Bailey. "The open exchange of ideas has been an important ingredient in building trust."
Bailey, who stepped into his position just a couple of months ago, said he was glad to put Federation faces to names. "We'd had a lot of conversations with people by telephone and it's always more productive when you sit face-to-face to work things out," he said. "Fortunately, we found that when we sat down we weren't so far apart to begin with, and I think that's because both groups recognized the main reason we're here is to ensure the tradition of the Gay Games."
Gay Games VI, "Under New Skies," begins with some cultural events Oct. 25, 2002. The official opening ceremony takes place Nov. 2 with all sports events and additional cultural events running through Nov. 9. For more information about Gay Games VI in Sydney, go to the Sydney 2002 website at www.sydney2002.org .au. The Federation's website is www.gaygames.com .
MILLER BREWING DONATES $50+K TO HELP BRING GAY GAMES TO CHICAGO
Miller Brewing Company and Chicago 2006, the organization seeking to bring the Gay Games® to Chicago in 2006, today announced that Miller will contribute more than $50,000 in support of the city's bidding efforts. Chicago is one of four North American finalists vying to host the 2006 Gay Games, the world's largest amateur athletic competition. A decision on who hosts Gay Games VII in 2006 will be made in late October.
The Miller contribution provides Chicago 2006 funds, product and services necessary to fulfill the final two elements of the bidding process...hosting two site inspectors from the Federation of Gay Games, and sending a delegation to the October 2001 Annual Meeting of the Federation of Gay Games in Johannesburg, South Africa, to make the city's final bid presentation.
"Miller Brewing Company is proud to support the City of Chicago and Chicago 2006, Inc.'s effort to bring home the 2006 International Gay Games," said Delbert Hunt, Miller's General Sales Manager, Great Lakes Market Area. "We are a long-time supporter of the gay and lesbian community, and Chicago is one of Miller's strongest markets, so this is a great opportunity for us to reinforce Miller's continued commitment to gay and lesbian consumers in the greater Chicagoland area."
"We are extremely grateful to the people at Miller for their support of this important opportunity for Chicago to showcase itself to the world," said Renae Ogletree, Chicago 2006 Director of Corporate Fundraising. "Above all, Miller is a company with which we can be proud to partner. They have a long history of support for the gay and lesbian community, including sports and culture, and their involvement in the Gay Games movement is another example of decades of forward thinking and community spirit."
The Gay Games are the world's largest athletic competition and cultural festival with competition in 30 sports and a two-week long cultural festival.
Call ( 773 ) 477-2006, or see www.chicago2006.org .
