Thu 14 Aug 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The team behind the successful 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames in Wellington in 2011 is thrilled the event will return to New Zealand in 2016, and is urging people to get involved. The opening of the Wellington Outgames “The level of support from the community, from sponsors, businesses, the Council, and especially the registrants and volunteers for the Outgames in Wellington was tremendous,” says Virginia Parker-Bowles, a member of the team behind the Wellington event. “We know this will continue for the coming Outgames in Auckand.” The organisation of the Wellington event took more than two years, and Parker-Bowles says the project has had a significant impact on her professional and social life. “It’s a big task to pull off a successful event of this scale. Get involved. You won’t regret it.” She says the benefits of getting involved in organising events such as the Outgames are many. “By involving such a diverse group of organisations and individuals, the Outgames strengthens the local queer community. It makes us visible to each other. It illuminates the local businesses and sponsors that support the queer community. And it promotes diversity, mental and physical health and wellbeing, through sport, the arts and cultural events and the human rights programme.” The 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames was held in Wellington in 2011. Spanning a week, it comprised 16 sports competitions, a human rights conference, an arts programme, and a number of parties. The Outgames attracted over 1,200 participants from more than 30 countries. The 2016 Event will be held concurrent with Auckland Pride Festival. It will include an opening ceremony at an iconic Auckland venue, 20 different sports, an extensive arts and cultural programme and human rights conference, and more than 2,000 people expected to take part. The Auckland Asia Pacific Outgames will add sports programme that appeal to young people. Cyber gaming and wall rock climbing will be included for the first time. There will also be family-friendly events catering for ‘rainbow families’ such as junior athletics and swimming activities for children and young teens.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 14th August 2014 - 9:22am