Oh, Canada!

Vancouver Hosts North American Outgames

Three years is simply too long of an interval between major international gay sports festivals. Since the close of last summer’s Gay Games, athletes have begun gearing up for the 2013 Outgames in Antwerp. But organizers in Vancouver are expecting to draw more than 2,000 participants for the second North American Outgames —one of two smaller continental versions of the major sporting event. (The AsiaPacific Outgames were held in New Zealand in March.) Each of the competitions is part of the Gay & Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA).

The weeklong celebration of sports is scheduled for July 25-31, and will feature 12 different sports, from badminton to softball to track & field, plus a human rights conference. The games will also coincide with Vancouver Pride celebrations including the Vancouver Pride Parade and Festival on July 31.

Hosting an event of this magnitude is not new to the people of Vancouver. Of course, last year’s Winter Olympics were contested in this city, but the most similarities can be found in the third Gay Games, held here in 1990. It was then that Vancouver established itself as a world-class gay tourist destination.

“The biggest benefit to hosting such large events in the past is that the world knows we’re here and if they haven't experienced it for themselves, then what better time to come than for the Outgames during Pride week in the summer,” said John Boychuk, president of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames.

Boychuk added that Vancouver has proven that the general community will come out to support events such as this, much as they did with the Gay Games in 1990—the Vancouver Gay Games drew 20,000 people and was the largest sports festival of gay men and women to ever take place, anywhere. While the overwhelming majority of participating athletes will come from North America, Boychuk expects between five and eight percent to come from other parts of the world. Original registration goals have been scaled back and a few sports (including hockey and water polo) had to be canceled, due to fiscal concerns, but registration has been strong, he assured.

“With a confirmed footprint of sports that will include mountain, marine and land activities, a strong human rights conference schedule and community celebrations, we will be able to look at these games as a success in participation with the inclusion of the local community.”

The Human Rights Conference that occurs in tandem with the athletic competition is an extremely important aspect of the week, asserts Boychuk. Among the topics scheduled to be discussed are youth bullying, workplace equality, discrimination in sports and issues related to aging.

“There is still a fight out there and we see it necessary to share these messages locally and globally,” said Boychuk.

Additionally, this year’s conference will feature the presentation of two Human Rights Awards—one presented to an individual, couple, or family and the second to a corporation, association or federation, both of which have made a significant constructive impact in moving forward GLBT human rights within their sphere of influence.

Other scheduled events during the week include a job fair, a Miss GLISA Pageant, cultural activities, a closing gala and a march of athletes.

This immense slate of competition may be just what is needed to satisfy the hunger of many North American athletes—at least until 2013.

North American Outgames Schedule Community Arts & Entertainment Events July 2-August 2 Vancouver and Whistler Outgames Welcome Reception July 25 Human Rights Conference July 26-28 Medal Ceremonies July 26-July 30 Closing Ceremonies July 30 Vancouver Pride Parade July 31

Sports at North American Outgames Badminton Ten-Pin Bowling Dance Sport Eco Challenge Golf Poker Soccer Softball Tennis Track and Field Volleyball 10km Run/4km Walk