Chris Olwage and Mandy Whitewoods warm up over a hot chocolate Gay Ski Week kicks off tonight with the More FM Opening Dance Party, heralding eight days of sporting, social and adventure activities. Hundreds of glbti winter sports enthusiasts have been descending on Queenstown which is decorated with a colourful banner across a main downtown street and numerous business sporting gay-themed displays in their windows. Even at the airport a themed display centres on t-shirts in the colours of the rainbow flag. Speaking at the airport earlier today while she picked up GSW special guest Mr Gay NZ/Mr Gay World Chris Olwage, co-organiser Sally Whitewoods was bubbling with enthusiasm, acknowledging that she feels she can relax a little as all the planning she and the event organisers have put in clicks into place. "There's not a lot for me to do now except buzz around, turning up at the events and keeping an eye on them and having a good time myself," she laughs. Olwage says he feels like his feet have hardly hit the ground since he set out to compete in the Mr Gay World contest. "I really haven't had a chance to relax yet,: he says. Tucking into a warming hor chocolate on a clear, sunny but crisply cool Queenstown day, Olwage was about to settle into his accommodation. His first request of Whitewoods: "Is there a good gym nearby?" He was assured there is a small but well-equipped gym just a few blocks away. Asked what his role at the Opening Night Party will be, Olwage admitted he was not sure. "I'll just do anything Sally wants," he laughed. Tomorrow will see GSW visitors to Queenstown hitting the well-powdered snowfields of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona. Evening activities will include the first of a series of Big Spender competition nights and the glamour opening of the gay-themed La Cage Aux Folles musical comedy.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 31st August 2013 - 4:26pm