German Leader Guido Westerwelle To Open Gay Games Cologne 2010

by Rhonda J Mangus | March 26, 2010 at 04:13 pm

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German leader Guido Westerwelle, currently serving as Foreign Minister and Vice Chancellor of Germany, has agreed to open Gay Games Cologne 2010 with an Opening Ceremony at the RheinEnergie Stadion, Cologne's football stadium. The Federation of Gay Games made the announcement on Thursday.

According to Annete Wachter, CEO of Gay Games Cologne 2010, "Dr. Guido Westerwelle sends an important signal for more tolerance and acceptance of gays and lesbians in our society."

Dr. Westerwelle began openly acknowledging his homosexuality in 2001. The overwhelming acceptance of his openness is an excellent example of the ability of people with different sexual preferences to live and work together. Dr. Westerwelle’s support of the VIII Gay Game Cologne 2010 is a significant contribution that should allow the participants to experience even greater acceptance throughout the competition and in their everyday lives.

Gay Games Cologne 2010 set to be largest yet

More than 12,000 athletes from around the world are expected to attend the games, which run from July 31 to August 7 in Cologne.

Organisers say that participants from more than 30 nations have signed up to participate in the quadrennial sports and cultural event with many registered from Eastern European countries where it is still illegal to be gay.

Countdown to Gay Games Cologne 2010

Although the Gay Games' opening ceremony does not take place until July 31, 2010, the games' officially kicked off in February in San Franciso with the start of the International Rainbow Memorial Run.

Every four years, the Rainbow Run helps the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) celebrate the lives of those who have graced the Gay Games movement and served or participated in the Games.

To learn more about the history of the Gay Games movement, or to learn about an upcoming stop by the International Rainbow Memorial Flag, visit www.gaygames.com For information about the 2010 Gay Games, visit www.games-cologne.com (English) or www.games-cologne.de (German)