
Nearly 5,000 paying participants from all over the world are ready for the World Outgames in Copenhagen. The program for this summer’s big event is going ahead at the ambitious level planned – over 30 sports disciplines, the international conference on LGBT human rights and an extensive cultural program.
Share this
Thousands of people from all over the world ready for World Outgames
Late registration has started – and with almost 5,000 participants and still more expected, the Outgames secretariat can report that the event will be held as planned. “I am extremely happy that in these turbulent economic times, we have managed to get so many people from all corners of the world to come to Copenhagen this summer”, says World Outgames CEO Uffe Elbæk.
As expected, the vast majority of the participants come from Europe, but over 20 % are from North America and with 84 countries represented, it will be a global and diverse event in every way. There are also participants from some of the countries where loving someone of the same sex can mean imprisonment or even the death penalty, such as Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates or India.
“The whole world is coming to Copenhagen, and we have worked towards our goal of ensuring that participants from places such as Africa, Asia and not least the Middle East have the opportunity to come to Copenhagen for the Outgames. This is thanks to our special financial Outreach Program, which is targeted at less well-off homosexuals from those parts of the world”, says Uffe Elbæk.
The grand opening and closing ceremonies at City Hall Square will be held. The same applies to the extensive and colourful free cultural program, Outcities, in which Rio de Janeiro, Tel Aviv, Melbourne, Antwerp, Mexico City and Aarhus will show the best aspects of their LGBT culture.
The whole of Copenhagen is already buzzing with enthusiasm and creativity to make sure that the Outgames week will be as impressive an experience for everyone as possible. Every part of the LGBT community is working to make street parties, events and demonstrations happen which will create the life and dynamics Outgames will stand for.
Copenhagen Pride is taking place in the same week in close collaboration with Outgames, so combined with the thousands of participants and international tourists, both locals and visitors will get to experience the city painted in all the colors of the rainbow.
Facts
World Outgames 2009 takes place in Copenhagen from July 25th to August 2nd, 2009. It is an international sports, cultural and human rights event which will increase the visibility and celebrate the power of the Global LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community and focus on freedom for all people.