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Contents

• From gay athletics to festivals
• The parties after the competition

From gay athletics to festivals

From June 1st through the 4th, more than 4,000 gay and lesbian athletes are expected to gather in Zurich, Switzerland to participate in one of the world's largest multi-sporting events of the year, EuroGames 2000. These games, which are sponsored by the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF), have been a fixture to gay athletes since 1992 when the first games were held in Den Haag and continued over the years in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hannover, and Paris.

These games are open to everyone who wants to participate, regardless of their gender, age, race, or sexual preference, first choice for involvement is given to European athletes. The spirit of the games encourages equal representation for all. Half of the game slots have been reserved for women. In addition, people with special needs (such as the deaf/hearing impaired, blind/sight impaired, wheelchair users, or those on medications including people living with HIV/AIDS, etc.) are participating in certain events such as ballroom dancing, basketball, hand bikes, marathon, martial arts and tennis. "As a minority group, we want to give a clear signal that we do not discriminate against other marginalized groups. In fact, we want to show openness, the same kind of openness we expect from others." say Cristina M. Vuilleumier and Brigitte V. Audenblatten of the Special Needs Committee.

Sports events include just about every type of sport imaginable - all the way from aerobics (team) to volleyball. The competitions will take place in different sporting grounds as well as in public in the inner city. Visibility and integration are important themes and, as such, an inline skating race through the streets of downtown Zurich is being planned.

In addition to the sporting events, athletes and visitors will be able to attend parties, performances and exhibitions, including special events for women and lesbians, and active support is being encouraged to "Walk for Life".

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The parties after the competition

The city of Zurich, which has been called a "little big gay city," joins with Eurogames to offer gay athlete tourists an assortment of shops, bars, saunas, parties, special events, and organizations (such as Gay Sport Zurich). The local gay and lesbian community stands behind the EuroGames 2000 and is eager to offer its participants a great party once the sport competitions are over.

At Helvetiaplatz, there will be one showground for the EuroGames, featuring three party locations (one of which will be for women) along with a centrally located Rainbow Square information center, meeting point, food and beverage stands, fairground of the gay and lesbian community, and cultural events. Satellite parties to satisfy every taste (with themes such as "show," "beach," "bubble bath," "leather") will be organized at gay establishments throughout the city.

Other parties include a warm-up party the evening before the games begin(Wednesday, May 31), start-up and opening parties on Thursday, June 1; semi-finals and finals parties for women on June 2 and 3; and a cool-down closing party on June 4. (You can get more information by contacting the Party Committee at party@eurogames.ch)

Whether you're a participant or just viewing the games from the sidelines, this event promises to be an unforgettable time for all. And for those interested in planning for the future, EuroGames 2001 will be hosted in Hannover and in Sydney, Australia in 2002.

EuroGames 2000 Zurich, Switzerland From June 1st through the 4th Official site: http://www.eurogames.ch/ (Defunct)

Michael Walker is a billionaire living the guise of a struggling freelance writer in Washington, DC.  He is also the founder and proprietor of DREAMWalker Group..