An estimated 1,000 people from over 15 countries are expected to take part in New Zealand’s huge LGBT sports and cultural showcase next March.

Same Same found out what the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames has in store for the wild and windy city of Wellington.

It began in 2008, with hundreds of LGBT sportspeople showing off their skills or ‘just giving it a go’ at the 1st AsiaPacific Outgames in Melbourne. Off to a good start, the Outgames torch was then passed to New Zealand’s capital.

Time flies, and with the event now less than a year away, Wellington’s Outgames has confirmed a diverse and inclusive week of sports competitions, plus a human rights conference, an arts and cultural festival and a number of exciting parties.

“It all kicks off with the Opening Ceremony at Te Papa, the city’s spectacular modern museum on the waterfront,” says David Hindley, Co-chair of the Outgames. “This will include an authentic Maori welcome for all our guests.”

So far, there are sixteen sports confirmed for the games, but more may join them soon if demand is high. Swimming, diving, running, tennis, squash, volleyball, badminton, field hockey, netball and softball are planned, along with dancesport, golf, lawn bowls, ten pin bowling, bridge and mountain biking.

Along with all the competitive energy of the sporting events, the cultural delights already confirmed will each provide unique experiences. “We’re thrilled that Queen of the Whole Universe will be held on the opening night of the Outgames,” says Virginia Hopkins-Burns, the Outgames’ other Co-chair. “It’s a colourful, over-the-top parody of a beauty pageant – most of the 40 ‘beauties’ are drag queens representing countries and planets. A huge cast means loads of drama! The show has raised over $145,000 for HIV/AIDS charities since 2004.”

Some of New Zealand’s top queer artists will be showcased at three dealer galleries – Mark Hutchins, Mary Newton, and Bowen Galleries – and there will be other exhibitions at community and city galleries in the works too.

Late night theatre, comedy and other shows are on the schedule, and closing the week will be the biggest party of the Outgames, being held harbourside. Design work is already underway for the parties, and international DJs and entertainers are being contacted. The night before is set aside for a sexy Leather and Uniform Party.

A witty little city

“Wellington City Council has been very generous in its support, so the Outgames will be hosted in city’s best civic and sporting venues, say the organising crew.

Wellington is a boutique city, wrapped around a harbour. Hotels, cafes, shops, galleries, museums and even the golden sandy beach at Oriental Bay are all within walking distance of each other. There are also gems just a short drive or bus ride from the city centre. One is Weta Cave – a little museum and shop in Peter Jackson’s studio complex where movies like Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and Avatar were made – and some parts of the new Dambusters movie are being made at the moment.
During the games, participants can make the most of their Kiwi trip by seeing a bit more of the local area. “We’ll have exclusively GLBTI day trips and evening trips for wine tasting, garden visiting, and even an evening trip by torchlight to spot kiwis (the nocturnal bird!) in their natural environment,” says David. “And participants will have the opportunity to go out as crew on some big yachts on the harbour.”

Pride and strength in numbers

Wellington’s Outgames is set to be one of New Zealand’s biggest LGBT events ever, aiming for over 1,000 registered athletes and conference delegates. “Plus another 1,000 partners, friends and family supporting or travelling with them,” adds Virginia. “Then there will be between 200 and 300 volunteers.”

David has proudly competed at several of the world’s large gay games events in the past, including Sydney’s Gay Games in 2002, so will be excited to see Wellington transform as it welcomes gay sportspeople from across the globe.

“The best thing is the buzz you get from being in a city where there are gays and lesbians everywhere,” he explains. “It’s like living in a world where the rainbow population has suddenly doubled. And there are so many things of gay and lesbian interest to do. It’s like being a kid at Christmas again.

“There is also a lot of pride and strength you get from being part of this,” he adds. “You get to meet amazing people from all over the place. Some of them will become friends for life.”

The 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames will be held in Wellington from 12-19 March 2011. Registrations open in June at wellingtonoutgames.com.