As the Games of the XXIX Olympiad continue in Beijing, the Federation of Gay Games has offered its best wishes to the International Olympic Committee for successful Games and salutes the eleven openly gay athletes competing at the Games. USA softball player Vicky Galindo The eleven publicly lesbian, gay or bisexual Olympians in Beijing are Gay Games Ambassador Judith Arndt (Germany, cycling), Linda Bresonik (Germany, soccer), Imke Duplitzer (Germany, fencing), Vicky Galindo (USA, softball); Gro Hammerseng and Katja Nyberg (Norway, handball; they are a lesbian couple); Natasha Kai (USA, soccer), Lauren Lappin (USA, softball); Matthew Mitcham (Australia, diving); Rennae Stubbs (Australia, tennis); and Victoria "Vickan" Svensson (Sweden, soccer). The Federation of Gay Games invites Olympians past and present to participate in Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany, planned to open in late July 2010. "The Gay Games welcomes all sport and culture participants without regard to their sexual orientation, age or physical abilities," explains Gay Games Co-president Emy Ritt. "Participants can choose from cultural events, such as band or choral singing, or from 34 sports, including many that are also offered in the Olympics. In the Gay Games, participants of every level come together in the spirit of participation, inclusion, and personal best."