Out In The Mountains : News - Montreal Wins Bid for the 2006 Gay Games VII

     On October 25, The Federation of Gay Games announced Montreal, Canada as their selection for host of the Gay Games VII in 2006. The games have not been held in North America since 1994 when New York City hosted the fourth edition. Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles also made bids to host the 2006.
      “We are proud to name Montreal as host for Gay Games VII in 2006,“ said Gene Dermody, male co-president. “Montreal’s team demonstrated an overall knowledge and keen understanding of what it takes to make the Gay Games a successful event and we look forward to our partnership in the years to come.“
      Conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, the Gay Games was first held in San Francisco in 1982 with 1,350 participants. Participation has increased significantly with an expected 14,000 participants traveling to Sydney for the VI games in 2002.
      Mark Tewksbury, honorary co-president of Montreal 2006 said, “We are delighted and honored to be chosen by the Federation of Gay Games as host city of Gay Games VII. We believe that Montreal, working with the Federation, will host a spectacular Gay Games and take the movement and its values of participation, inclusion and personal best forward in the years leading up to 2006.“