Athletes setting course for Copenhagen

At the time of writing, more than 25 % of those registered come from the USA and Canada, just below 10% are from Australia and New Zealand and of course the Europeans are well represented with participants from more than 30 different countries. A total of 8000 people from around 100 countries are expected to take part in the 38 sports tournaments, countless cultural festivals and the international conference on LGBT Human Rights.

For nine days, Copenhagen will be the setting for one of the world’s largest events for homosexuals, bisexuals and the transgendered community. The focal point is a massive program of sports events, which can best be described as an Olympics for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered men and women (LGBT). The World Outgames 2009 will also include extensive queer cultural activities and enormous parties for participants and Copenhageners.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome all the athletes from all over the world. World Outgames 2009 will be a truly global event with people from all parts of the world. And we’re looking forward to welcoming them to Denmark’s capital city – Wonderful Copenhagen – for a unique sports event taking place in Europe for the first time,” says Ole Udsholt, Campaign Manager for the World Outgames 2009.

Registration for the World Outgames 2009 is possible right up until 1 May. By taking part, athletes will not just be part of one of the largest and most extensive sports and cultural events in the world for the LGBT community, but will also help send a signal to the world about how important it is for a society to be tolerant and diverse.

“Alongside the numerous sports and cultural activities, there will be an international human rights conference addressing the issues and concerns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community, one of the objectives of which is to put focus on the fact that one third of the world’s countries still criminalize homosexuality. World Outgames 2009 will definitely offer a lot of sports, big parties and many fantastic opportunities to meet people from all four corners of the world. But it is important not to forget that there are many homosexuals who suffer from oppression purely because they love someone of the same gender. World Outgames wants change that.” says Uffe Elbaek, Word Outgames CEO.