Preparations are going well for 40-plus strong New Zealand contingent in the lead-up to the 7th Gay Games in Chicago and the Out Games in Montreal. Many competitors from New Zealand will compete in both Games to be held in Chicago from July 15 to 22 and in Montreal from July 29 to August 5. The GayBlacks teams from both Wellington and the South Island have just secured their uniforms, supplied by Kia Kaha Clothing, the same company that makes New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell's clothing. The black uniform features unique Kiwi symbols – a white kowhaiwhai pattern, a stylised Maori design of New Zealand's native shark, the mako, and the GayBlacks logo – a rainbow-coloured fern. The uniforms have been sponsored by the New Zealand Community Trust. "This was only possible with the help of SPARC (Sport and Recreation NZ), who supported our application, and by doing so, legitimised the GayBlacks as a genuine sporting group," said Nigel Jeffcoat of the Wellington team. The GayBlacks have conducted two raffles, with the local LGBT community getting involved by providing prizes and purchasing tickets. The proceeds of the raffles have enabled the purchase of their team flag, which will be used at the opening ceremonies for both Games, and team pins, which will be exchanged with other competitors in keeping with the Games' tradition. The GayBlacks will be competing in numerous sporting and cultural events, including ice hockey, dance, running, tennis, swimming and ten-pin bowling to name a few. The GayBlacks team was officially launched last September with official guests in attendance – Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast and Canadian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Penny Reedie. The GayBlacks are becoming increasingly excited, as their departure date looms nearer, says Jeffcoat. "The Games provide a unique opportunity for LGBT people from many different parts of the world to meet and compete, and provides us all with a great sense of community and belonging." Other teams from around New Zealand will also be participating in both Games, including an Auckland-based volleyball team heading to Chicago. The team came third in volleyball at the Sydney Gay Games in 2002, and have their sights set on Gold this year. The Chicago Gay Games has already registered over 11,000 competitors across 30 events. With over 50 countries represented, registration has already surpassed that of the 6th Gay Games in Sydney in 2002. The alternate 1st Out Games in Montreal now has over 12,000 competitors and organisers and city administrators are expecting over 250,000 visitors from around 109 countries. This will be the biggest sporting event in Montreal since hosting the Olympic Games in 1976.