Johannesburg to bid for the 2010 Gay Games

The economic impact for Johannesburg, if the bid is successful, is estimated at R500 million. Early sponsors of the effort include The Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC), Southern Sun Hotels, Lufthansa, The City of Johannesburg and the Gay and Lesbian Equality Project. The bid process is being spearheaded by the Johannesburg Tourism Company. The JTC will provide its experience and expertise, factors that are imperative for a Bid presentation to an international organisation, in this case the Federation of Gay Games.

"The Federation will be looking at a wide range of criteria, including stadia and other venues, city and national infrastructure - especially transport, security, hospitality facilities such as hotels and restaurants, leisure, entertainment and community support. We provide world-class tourism standards as well as uniquely South African pre- and post-Games attractions. Our logistical capacity and organisational and administrative competence are bringing international attention. We think we have a great chance on this one," says Deon Viljoen, CEO of the JTC.

With sponsor support, a team of representatives went to the Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Gay Games in Cologne, Germany in November. Johannesburg, Paris and Cologne were the only three cities to take part in a "prospective bidding city orientation session" during the AGM and these French and German cities are likely to be Johannesburg's main rivals for hosting the 2010 Gay Games.

"The overall response to Johannesburg was extremely positive," says Sheryl Ozinsky, former Manager of Cape Town Tourism and a Johannesburg delegate. "We were well received by the other delegates who expressed a strong desire to play golf, sail and come play down south. In addition, many of them offered their support for our bid process which will really give us an advantage."

"Even though the Games will be held in Johannesburg, the benefits to the rest of the country, such as Cape Town, Durban and other tourism areas will be significant," says Ozinsky.

A Section 21 company is being established to meet the 15 January deadline for filing a letter of intent to bid with the Federation. The bid is due 15 March 2005. If Johannesburg is short-listed, the Federation will send a team to do site inspections in mid-2005.The host city will be announced at the Federation's AGM that November in Chicago.

Viljoen says plans are for Johannesburg to be the hub of the competition, but certain events will be staged throughout the province and there would be various cultural festivals in Cape Town and other cities.

"In addition, there would be a host of events, conferences and exhibitions prior to the games, bringing further economic benefit to Johannesburg and South Africa," says Viljoen.

"This is a unique public-private partnership between the lesbian and gay community, government at all levels and the private sector," says James Mathias, Acting Bid Director. "Hosting the games would build communities, develop local sports and provide a substantial economic boost. Cities around the world have supported Gay Games because of the enormous positive impact they have. Johannesburg's opportunities are even greater because we'll be able to leverage the infrastructure of the Soccer World Cup. Those investments will continue to pay dividends."

He adds that there will be sustainable side benefits, one of which is that athletes will be encouraged to donate their equipment to underprivileged communities after the Games. "Many of the international organizations that make up the Federation have expressed an interest in coming to South Africa years in advance to help in the development of teams for when we host," said Mathias.

"With the world's most respected constitution, one of the world's most recognized persons and a history of successfully hosting major international sporting events we believe hosting the Gay Games will build support for human rights in its broader context. That would help many of our brothers and sisters here and around the continent who struggle within their communities," says Evert Knoesen, Director of the Gay and lesbian Equality Project.

Less privileged athletes will also benefit from sponsorship in terms of an initiative by the Federation of Gay Games to raise funds to assist participants from countries proportionally under-represented at previous Gay Games.

South Africa first participated in the Gay Games in New York in 1994 with a team of 14. At Sydney in 2002 there were over 50 South African competitors. The South African contingent in 2010 will be considerably larger if the Games are held in Johannesburg. South Africans have won gold, silver and bronze medals at all Games since 1994.

Core sports are included in the Gay Games: in addition to track and field events and road races, there will be cycling, aquatics, golf, tennis, soccer, wrestling, martial arts, figure skating and a dozen other sports. The host organisation is allowed to add eight sports and if Johannesburg wins the bid, these will likely include rugby, cricket, bowls and pansula dancing!

Participation is not limited in any way. Athletes do not have to be gay to compete, or even internationally ranked. The Games' philosophy focuses on inclusion so even first-time competitors get an opportunity to compete. Age isn't a limiting factor either, with competitors divided into age categories so even seniors can become medal winners.

A major cultural festival will be held alongside the Games featuring the performing arts, visual arts and the humanities.

The JTC and the new Bid Board have appealed to the community to come forward to volunteer to be part of the working committees. Details can be sent to: .