Which city will host Gay Games VIII in 2010?

A US cable TV station is ready to negotiate a million-dollar deal with the 2010 host as soon as winner is announced.

The South African constitution provides protection based on sexual orientation.

If Johannesburg gets the nod, more than 11 000 participants will take part in at least 27 sporting and various cultural activities over eight days, about 12 weeks after the Soccer World Cup. A big media contingent is expected.

The operational budget is set at approximately R48 million, with economic benefits estimated at over R400 million in respect of pre- and post-Games tourism by participants and visitors, with hundreds of full- and part-time jobs being created.

Federation delegates did a site inspection in August. "We surprised ourselves with how highly our venues rate, and our community support nearly overwhelmed them," said James Mathias, Bid co-chair.

Adv Cawe Mahlati, CEO of Gauteng's Tourism Authority, commented, "We know from research done at the 2002 Sydney Games that almost 5000 of the expected participants come from North America and about as many from Europe. This is not just a sporting and cultural event - it's a trip of a lifetime. Most won't just come for the eight-day Games, they'll take a few weeks and that gives the entire province - and country - an opportunity to benefit."

Eddy Khosa of the Johannesburg Tourism Company said the venues for the various sports and cultural events were highly rated and the infrastructure was outstanding, although the transport structure was viewed as problematic and there were unfortunate perspectives about safety, "but the general capacity is world class - our venues, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, cultural offerings, and other amenities are of a very high standard. Where we came up short, we'll fix."

The Federation will announce its decision on 13 November at 11pm (SA time).

For further information visit www.gaygamesjohannesburg.com.