Tue 7 Sep 2010 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Aussies vs Kiwis ... it's on! The Outgames organisers have issued a challenge to New Zealanders to get a move on, after Australians have overtaken locals in registrations. Wellington AsiaPacific Outgames co-chair David Hindley says there is a real buzz about the tournament across the Tasman, which has led to more Aussies signing up now than Kiwis. "We are laying down a challenge to New Zealanders to register for their sports. We are happy to let the Aussies take a few gold medals home with them, but we'd like to have as many Kiwis as possible stepping up to the gold medal spot when the medals are handed out." Hindley says Outgames promotional trips to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have paid off, and the event's profile in Australia will get another boost in early October, when Wellington tourism bodies will fly five lesbian and gay Australian journalists to Wellington. He says beyond Australia, participants have signed up from countries including Malaysia, Canada and the United States, with some even coming from Europe. "We are delighted at the international interest, and we think the arrival of so many people from overseas will bring a fantastic atmosphere and excitement to the Outgames," says Hindley. "While we are also getting good numbers of New Zealanders registering, we want to boost that even more so that the overseas participants have some real Kiwi competition to contend with." "We are seeing stronger than expected demand for some sports, even at this early stage. We would encourage people not to leave registering for their chosen events too late to avoid the disappointment of missing out on competing." The 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames is 8 days of sports competition, a human rights conference, shows and parties, arts and cultural events and exhibitions. It runs 12–19 March 2011. You can register on the website www.wellingtonoutgames.com
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 7th September 2010 - 11:03am