After months of debate, deliberation, and spirited competition, the Federation of Gay Games announced today its selection of Chicago as the presumptive host city of the 2006 Gay Games.

Delegates of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG), the international governing body for the Gay Games, voted yesterday, in an online ballot, to select Chicago over Los Angeles, the other finalist in the bidding process that began with 8 cities in 1999. 'Chicago Games Inc. put together an extraordinary proposal that demonstrates significant community support, a sound financial plan, and an international vision for Gay Games VII,' said Kathleen Webster, Federation co-president, from her home in Philadelphia. 'We look forward to working closely with them to make the next Gay Games an outstanding event for all our participants.'

Cities from around the world bid for the coveted right to host the Gay Games. As one of the most anticipated and celebrated lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LBGT) events in the world, this quadrennial international athletic and cultural event will draw over 12,000 participants and 15,000 spectators from around the globe. The Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates the event will generate at least $25 million for the local economy.

Local boosters, donors, and volunteers who supported and developed the bid cheered the decision today. Dennis Sneyers, Co-Chair of Chicago Games, Inc. said, 'We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2006 Gay Games. Chicago's LGBT sports clubs, cultural institutions, government and business supporters are eager to welcome the world to our beautiful city, and to produce an unforgettable week of competition, cultural events, and camaraderie. With Chicago's amazing lakefront, gorgeous skyline, world-class sports facilities, strong LGBT community, and renowned sports fans, we believe there is no better place than Chicago to host the 2006 Gay Games.'

International Support

International representatives from the Federation of Gay Games expressed excitement at the decision. Karl-Heinz Schmitz, delegate from SportsClub Janus eV, an LGBT sports organization in Cologne, Germany said: 'After being in Europe and Australia, the Gay Games last took place in the United States of America ten years ago. It is now only two years to go, and we in Europe are already excited to take part in the 2006 Gay Games as it returns to the country of origin.'

Stephanie Johnstone, delegate from International Gay Bowling Organization, Toronto, Canada said: '14 years ago I booked my vacation and drove from a small town called Woodstock in Southern Ontario to Vancouver, British Columbia to see my first Gay Games. Although it took me over 4 days to get there, Gay Games III was an experience that will live in my memory forever. For many of us in Canada having the Gay Games next door, so to speak, is very exciting and we have already started to make plans to attend the event. As a member of IGBO many of us bowlers have bowled in tournaments in the host city and eagerly await our chance to return as participants in Gay Games VII. I for one look forward to joining together with the rest of the world to help the USA celebrate the return of Gay Games VII in 2006.'

Des Sullivan, delegate from International Front Runners, Sydney, Australia said: 'Australians have a long affinity with the North American LGBT community and, in fact, Aussies have attended each Gay Games since the inaugural event in 1982. Along with athletes from all parts of the world, Australians are looking forward to participating in the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago.'

Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney welcomed the international support and said 'Chicago is a world-class sports city. Our gay and lesbian community has the breadth and depth to create an amazing experience for participants in Gay Games VII. We look forward to hosting a diverse competition for athletes from around the world.'

Chicago's Plan

Chicago's plan proposes Gay Games VII for July 15-22, 2006, with Opening Ceremonies at Soldier Field, 25 sporting competitions taking place at 4 Sports Villages, Band and Choral concerts at the new Frank Gehry band shell, and Closing Ceremonies at Millennium Park. Registration for individuals and teams will begin this summer.

'We are elated by the FGG's decision,' said Kevin Boyer, former co-chair of the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and a member of the CGI Board of Directors. 'In addition to the remarkable economic boon to the City and local businesses, the Gay Games will showcase Chicago as a great LGBT destination, building on our reputation as an exciting and friendly place for international LGBT tourists through global marketing efforts and international media attention. We look forward to welcoming our new friends from across the world.'

CGI Co-Chair Sue Connolly, a senior vice president at Northern Trust Bank, said 'We are very proud of the work we put into the proposed budget for Gay Games VII. Mindful of previous Gay Games that have struggled financially, this plan proposes significant changes in the way the Gay Games VII are produced and funded. The result is a budget that relies more heavily on stable sources of income and coincides with strategies developed by the FGG in its Gay Games strategic planning papers.' The FGG's 'Image Paper' is the culmination of a year-long study of previous Gay Games and outlines specific steps for Hosts as they develop budgets and plans.

The right to host Gay Games VII is contingent upon the signing of a License Agreement between the FGG and CGI. The two groups have already successfully negotiated much of that agreement as part of the bidding process and a Wednesday conference call will determine the parameters for final negotiations. Two representatives from Chicago will travel to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, for the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation Annual Meeting the weekend of 06 to 07 March and Chicago representatives are scheduled to attend the International Gay and Lesbian Athletics Conference in Boston 26 to 28 March. Representatives of the FGG will travel to Chicago in the next two or three weeks to meet with organizations and conclude negotiations. Worldwide Gay Games VII launch parties will take place in the next two months.

About the Games

Chicago will be the 6th city to host the Gay Games following San Francisco 񢈾 and 1986), Vancouver, Canada 񢉆), New York 񢉊), Amsterdam 񢉎) and Sydney 񢉒). The Gay Games was created in 1982 by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic athlete who envisioned an international gay and lesbian event based upon the principles of inclusion, participation, and personal best. The Gay Games seek to challenge negative stereotypes and strengthen the international gay and lesbian community. The Gay Games welcomes all people without regard to their sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political belief(s), athletic, artistic ability, age, physical challenge, or health status.

For information, see ChicagoGamesInc.org, e-mail Volunteer@ChicagoGamesInc.org .

Chicago 2006 Victory Party

Date: Tuesday, 2 March 2004

Time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm (prompt people may get on TV!)

Cover: None

Location: Gentry, 440 N. State Street, Chicago

RSVP: Not necessary