Cologne Hosts Gay Games 2010

CHICAGO, IL -- The Federation of Gay Games announced today Cologne, Germany, as the prospective Host City for Gay Games VIII in 2010. Cologne was selected at the conclusion of an extensive bidding process in which Johannesburg, South Africa, and Paris, France, also sought to host the Games. The Gay Games are a quadrennial athletic competition and cultural festival that highlights Participation, Inclusion and achieving one's Personal Best while helping to advance the cause of equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community internationally.

"Cologne will be a great place for the LGBT athletes from around the world to compete in 2010 at Gay Games VIII’" said Kathleen Webster, co-president of of the FGG. "Each of the bid cities brought various strengths, and all were committed to seeing the legacy of the Gay Games continue to open doors for people everywhere through sport."

The Gay Games has become one of the most sought-after international events by cities around the world as 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.

"We are thrilled the Federation of Gay Games selected Cologne to host the 2010 Gay Games VIII," said Michael Lohaus and Annette Wachter, co-director of Cologne’s bidding organization. "As one of Europe’s most welcoming and diverse cities, Cologne welcomes the international LGBT community, their friends and families with open arms and promises one of the most exciting competitions in the history of the Gay Games."

The Federation of Gay Games is holding its annual meeting in Chicago this year in part to review plans for the 2006 Gay Games VII.

"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," commented FGG co-president Robert Mantaci. "With that and other positive developments such as the recent addition of Sir Elton John to our impressive roster of Gay Games Ambassadors, we anticipate great success in 2006, building on the past and preparing an even better future for the Gay Games."

There is a special bond between cities that have hosted the Gay Games" Suzanne Arnold of Chicago Games pointed out. "We offer Cologne organizers our best wishes and look forward to them becoming a part of the Gay Games legacy that has brought together people around the world over the past 25 years."

The Gay Games are a quadrennial athletic competition and cultural festival that highlights participation, inclusion and achieving one’s personal best while helping to advance the cause of equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community internationally.