Outgames kick off in Darwin

Rainbow BallsThe 3rd Asia-Pacific Outgames kick off in Darwin tonight with the motto Strength Through Togetherness. More than 2000 athletes will be participating representing 28 countries — mostly from the Asia Pacific area, though participants have also come from Europe and the US.

“The Outgames in Darwin is going to be a wonderful opportunity and experience for both its guests and hosts,” says Outgames Chair, Olli Berst. “The organising team has been working hard to make the Outgames a touching experience for all.”

Sports being contested over the next 7 days include track and field athletics, swim and run aquathon, badminton, basketball, dance-sport, dragon boat, soccer, golf, hockey, lawn bowls, roller derby, softball, squash, swimming, tennis, tenpin bowling, touch football, and volleyball.

The week-long festivities kick off with the Opening Ceremony at Gardens Oval on Saturday, before competition kicks off on Sunday with the dance sport and roller derby events.

The Opening Ceremony produced by Creative Director Alex Galeazzi will be a great opportunity for this multicultural and diverse city to welcome participants to the Darwin Outgames and provide a mix of fabulous frivolities with formalities.

“It’s exciting being able to showcase Top End talent and make the Darwin Outgames accessible to the whole community,” says Galeazzi.

The Human Rights Forum Power Through Action is an opportunity to engage with LGBTI people from the Asia Pacific region and beyond in dialogue, debate, and solidarity.

It is also a unique opportunity to meet with like minded LGBTI activists, academics and those committed to social change from across the Asia Pacific region. The Human Rights Forum will also include Queer Histories Symposium and Transactivism training.

The Closing Ceremony on Friday 16 May will officially thank all people involved with the event. Highlights from the week will be shared and Darwin 2014 will hand flags and a special message stick to the next Outgames host city.

For more information and the complete program, visit: www.3apog.com.au for details.