Fri 6 Mar 2009 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Wellington's upcoming Outgames will be a vibrant sport, culture and human rights event on a large scale which will reflect that 2011 is the 25th anniversary of homosexual law reform in New Zealand, say the organisers. The second Asia Pacific Outgames, planned for 12-19 March 2011, will consist of a sporting competition, cultural events, a human rights programme and some great parties, says Wellington2011's Hamish Allardice. Proposed sports include dancesport, fast pitch softball, running, swimming, tennis and volleyball. Other sports being explored include rugby, netball, badminton, water polo, soccer, rowing, hockey, squash, golf, lawn bowls, ten pin bowling, croquet, triathlon, diving and mountain biking. Cultural events proposed include opening and closing celebrations, theatre performances, and traditional Maori cultural experiences. The conference themes will have a strong Asia Pacific focus and is proposed to address LGBT human rights issues and workshop sessions for transgender, AIDS in the Pacific region and youth. "Knowing that the event will be in Wellington in 2011 gives people plenty of time to prepare," says Allardice. "Train for a sport, create research papers that could be presented at one of the conferences, create an exhibition, or work on your body for dance moves at the parties. It will be the perfect time for people to plan a visit to Wellington, and for overseas kiwis to make a visit home." The second Asia Pacific Outgames Wellington 2011 follows the success of the first Asia Pacific Outgames, held in Melbourne in 2008. The Wellington2011 team has been provided with a AUS$5,000 (NZ$6,400) grant from the legacy fund of the Melbourne Games. Wellington2011's official website is now online on the link below, and to register your interest in a particular sport or activity email: Wellington2011@inbox.com.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Friday, 6th March 2009 - 12:01pm