Gay Games Registration Drive May 14-15

Chicago organizers kick off the Official Gay Games VII Worldwide Registration Drive in May, with a weekend of Registration Parties scheduled for May 14 and 15. There are already more than 50 parties scheduled on five continents. "We're very excited at the response to the Official Gay Games Registration Drive," said James Simmons, Gay Games Sports and Events Marketing Manager. "Ranging from small home parties to public events with hundreds of attendees, the parties are going to be a fun way for people to get registered for the 2006 Chicago Gay Games."

Anyone is welcome to host an Official Gay Games VII Registration Party. To receive your free official registration party kit, including tips for party hosts, contact the Chicago Gay Games at (773) 907-2006 or e-mail at info@GayGamesChicago.org.

Athletes, artists and their supporters earn gifts in return for hosting parties and getting people signed up. All party hosts receive a free T-shirt, collectible Gay Games pin, and a DVD with a montage video of archival Gay Games footage and great Chicago travel information. Hosts whose parties register five or more will be entered into a drawing for a pair of international airline tickets. Those who register 10 or more will receive one free Gay Games registration to use as a gift, for a scholarship athlete or for themselves. All party-goers will save $25 on their Gay Games registration.

Suzi Arnold, Chicago's Board Co-Chair, reiterated the need to register now. "Every individual must register and receive an individual confirmation number in order to be guaranteed space at the Gay Games," she said. "Those who procrastinate may find their favorite sport filling up. Many sports will reach capacity this summer. Sailing is already full and some team sports – ice hockey and softball for example - are already approaching their 2002 Gay Games team benchmarks." Team captains interested in learning about Team/Group Discounts should contact the Chicago Gay Games at (773) 907-2006 or e-mail at info@GayGamesChicago.org.

Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will take place July 15-22, 2006.  More than 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis.  The weeklong event will include band, cheerleading and color guard performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, and a series of community-organized social events and parties.  The opening ceremony is scheduled for Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium of the Chicago Bears.  Closing ceremony will be July 22 at Wrigley Field, the home of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs.

For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VII in Chicago, visit www.GayGamesChicago.org, e-mail info@GayGamesChicago.org, or phone (773) 907-2006.