Kiwi Outgames medal hope: Bren JD Auckland's North Shore boy Bren JD is heading to Denmark to play hockey at July's World Outgames in Copenhagen. But he's not sure if any other Kiwis are going... "I'm looking forward to it. I don't know of any others going and it would be great to see if others were. Especially if we can support each other over there," he says. Bren's been a keen hockey player for eleven years now, and played representative hockey for North Harbour for a few years. "Then had to let go, as I was flying Long Haul for Qantas and I wasn't consistent with trainings and games. I still play in the top league at North Harbour though, when I am on home soil." He even played in a Mardi Gras Pink Hockey tournament in Sydney a few years back - held in the week before the Mardi Gras party, so was an exciting week for him. Bren has a confession to make, however. He's on the Aussie hockey team in the upcoming Outgames. "A few players in the Gay Australian team were playing at the tournament and got in contact with myself," he explains guiltily. "Eeek! New Zealand just doesn't seem to get enough interest. Although I find it quiet cool being the token Kiwi." The trip will be Bren's first visit to Copenhagen. "I'm so excited and really getting stuck into training when I can. Am also pretty hyped about competing and socializing with other gay athletes. I was watching a documentary the other day about 'The happiest Nation' - and it turned out to be Denmark. So that really gave me a reality check about flying to Copenhagen to compete. "Overall I think it's going to be a fantastic week of meeting new people, playing a sport I love, supporting my country, partying and most of all winning the gold medal!" THE WORLD OUTGAMES The first World Outgames was held in Montreal in 2006. Involving over 12,000 participants, it was the largest sporting event the city had hosted since their Olympics. This year it's Copenhagen's turn, with over 8,000 people from across the world expected to participate. The spirit of the event is 'Love of freedom. Freedom to love', highlighting the freedoms that make it possible to live the love life we desire. Along with a wide range of sports including rugby, tennis, swimming, climbing, bowling, beach volleyball, squash and soccer, the Outgames also incorporates a cultural festival including film screenings, talks, leather events, women's spaces and spectacular parties. The World Outgames will be held from 25 July - 2 August 2009. Find out more on the official website here, and if you're a Kiwi also going to compete in Copenhagen, let us know by emailing gaynz@woosh.co.nz. Matt Akersten - 6th May 2009