The State of Illinois budget agreement of May 2005 included many painful spending cuts. But at least one group of Illinois lawmakers spent the final few days of the General Assembly Session lining up support for an event that will significantly enhance Illinois and Chicago revenues over the next two years, and generate even more economic activity by improving the State's reputation as an exciting travel destination for years to come. As the 94th General Assembly closed, the Illinois State House of Representatives adopted a resolution introduced by State Rep. Kenneth Dunkin in support of the 2006 Chicago Gay Games.
The Gay Games is an 8-day sports and cultural event that will bring tens of thousands of tourists, and as much as $80 million, to the Windy City in July of 2006. 'I am delighted to have sponsored this resolution,' said Dunkin, who represents the near North Side of Chicago. 'The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) communities of Illinois contribute so much to the economy and culture of this state. The Gay Games has already created jobs and revenue for the businesses of Chicago. In July 2006, Gay Games VII will have an impact on par with some of the city's largest conventions and sports events. It makes good business sense to support this kind of positive economic activity and we're delighted to welcome the world to Chicago next year.'
The 2006 edition of the Gay Games marks the return of the event to North America for the first time in 12 years. Gay Games VII will take place July 15-22, 2006, with Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field, Closing Ceremony at Wrigley Field, and cultural and arts programming at Millennium Park and throughout the City of Chicago.
Athletes will compete in 30 sports taking place at venues on the city's west, south and north sides, lakefront, downtown, and Evanston. As many as 35,000 visitors from all over the world will come to the city and another 40,000 to 60,000 Chicagoans will participate as athletes, artists, fans or volunteers.
State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz was a co-sponsor of the resolution. 'My district includes so many businesses that will benefit from the Gay Games,' she said. 'More important, this event will be a boon to the entire Chicago community, with events throughout our many diverse neighborhoods. It will also have a long-lasting legacy for this city, promoting our beautiful lakefront and culture community.'
'Representative Dunkin has really stepped up to the plate for the LGBT community,' said Chicago Games, Inc. Government Relations Committee co-chairs Tracy Baim and Renae Ogletree. 'He understands both the economic impact of the Gay Games as well as our mission to break down stereotypes and eliminate bigotry. We thank him for his support of this event and for really getting how much it will impact our community and our economy.'
The resolution passed by the Illinois House on May 31, 2005, reads:
