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Unveiling of the Official Opening Ceremony of the 1st World Outgames:
The Event of the Summer in Montréal!

Six artists of various styles and musical backgrounds will captivate all in the Stadium with their contagious energy and enthusiasm.

k.d. lang, whose legendary voice can master an astonishing range of material, from Nashville tearjerkers to Tin Pan Alley torch songs, from playful cow-punk tunes to sultry, grown-up pop; Martha Wash, the powerhouse voice who became a pop legend with the cult classic “It’s Raining Men”; Deborah Cox, the R&B chart-topper whose range includes pop and dance music; Jonas, Montréal rocker and rising star on the international rock scene with sex appeal en masse; Sylvie Desgroseilliers, whose voice is a superb blend of power and sensitivity; and, of course, the much anticipated return of legendary Québec diva Diane Dufresne to the Olympic Stadium, adding her unique theatrical flair to ceremony.

And finally, the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil will pay homage to athletes of all backgrounds in a celebration of diversity that will transport the audience into its hallmark world of poetry and magic with breathtaking displays of acrobatics and athletic artistry.

The Organising Committee of the Outgames is backed by a solid and experienced team in the production of the ceremonies: Télé-Vision. Their experience in the production of major events is a guarantee of success for the shows. Producers Jean Rémillard and Daniel Cormier and managing producer Alain Dupont of Télé-Vision have brought together a solid and creative team. Mario Bouchard will handle stage design, Éric Villeneuve will create projections for the giant screens, Alain Lortie will be in charge of lighting, Luc Boivin will be musical director and Jean-François Blais will direct, while Richard Lachance of Solotech will provide top-quality sound for the show. This seasoned team brings the experience and knowledge necessary to create a major international show that will be both inspired and original. Fernand Rainville will be in charge of the art direction and staging for the Opening Ceremony, while Joe Bocan will assume the art direction for the Closing Ceremony, ensuring that both ceremonies will be colourful, vibrant and filled with emotion

“This show has been conceived to bring people together and I hope it will contribute to the breaking down of stereotypes and promote that which brings us all together: the right to love and be loved,” said Mr. Rainville.

The Closing Ceremony, which will also be produced by Télé-Vision, will take place on Saturday, 5 August at 4 p.m., also at the Olympic Stadium. The line-up for the Closing Ceremony will be announced shortly.

Tickets are on sale now through Admission at very affordable prices: Opening Ceremony tickets go from $55 to $150 and from $35 to $100 for the Closing Ceremony. A special combo ticket for both shows will be available, with prices ranging from $81 to $225.

$75 Registration Fee Gets Athletes into the 1st World Outgames Competition
of Choice

With inclusiveness and accessibility as the 1st World Outgames’ number one goal, the Organizing Committee announced today a special $75 CAD activity-only fee, offering a new option for participants with limited schedules this summer.

Called the Outgames’ À la carte promotion, participants from around the globe now have the opportunity to participate in the sport of their choice, many of which are sanctioned by national and international mainstream sports federations. The À la carte program is also available for those who wish to participate in one of Outgames myriad cultural events, such as the Choral Festival or the Country Western Dance Festival.

The regular registration package for $325 CAD still includes, in addition to the activity of choice, participation in the Opening and Closing ceremonies, free public transportation within the City of Montréal, plus a participation medal and many other rebates on Outgames services. The À la carte promotion offers registration in the participant’s chosen activity only. Participation in the ceremonies is not included.

"The Gay + Lesbian Rowing Federation applauds the recent decision by the Organizing Committee of the 1st World Outgames to offer universal sport-only fee registration. This decision puts the individual first, and makes each athletic event affordable and accessible,” said Brian Todd, Executive Director of the Gay + Lesbian Rowing Federation (GLRF).

"For only $75, athletes will be able to go to Montréal - which is just a five-hour drive from New York - even if they only stay for a few days during the week of the Outgames,” added Christian West, President of Team New York. “Obviously, they can stay for the entire event. It makes it easier for participants with limited budgets to be part of a major international LGBT event.”

À la carte offer for the International Conference
The International Conference on LGBT Human Rights is now available À la carte! You may now purchase day passes for the Conference at prices ranging from $125 to $150 CAD, available through the Admission network. The regular Conference registration fee for the entire four days is $525 CAD. To purchase day passes, go to www.admission.com.

The Outgames accessible to all!
In addition to the $75 CAD registration fee, for just $20 CAD spectators see the majority of the35 sporting and cultural activities scheduled for the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 this summer. A special all-access bracelet will give spectators entry into the majority of events scheduled as well as a 10% discount on many Montréal tourist attractions from 29 July to 5 August. The bracelet will be on sale soon at www.montreal2006.info.

Reserve your hotel room now!
You only have until 9 June to take advantage of the Outgames discounted rate !

Montréal hotels are starting to fill up fast! To complete your hotel reservation form, click here >>

Copenhagen 2009 appoints Host City Director

The Steering Committee for the 2009 World Outgames is pleased to announce the appointment of Ole Udsholt as Host City Director to the GLISA Board, effective immediately. Ole will play a critical role, along with his counterpart from Host City Montreal, Mark Tewksbury, in ensuring that the knowledge and legacy transfer process begun in early May will continue over the coming months and years, as GLISA builds its network of Outgames host cities, Outgames partners and member clubs and teams.