| |
Canada is open at any time to HIV+ People
8 February
2006 – Ms. Catherine Meade, Co-President
of the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association
(GLISA), which
sanctions the World Outgames, released the following
statement today on the Designated Event Status
given to Gay Games VII that allows athletes and
spectators from around the world to enter the
United States regardless of their HIV status.
“We applaud the Federation
of Gay Games and the organizers of Gay Games VII
in Chicago on their tireless efforts to open America’s
borders to HIV+ athletes and spectators alike.
Our concern is not whether a person with HIV attends
either Outgames or Gay Games but that she or he
has the ability to choose and not be hindered
by policies that discriminate.
I am proud to say that Canada has
never closed its borders to anyone based on their
HIV status. If only for a short time this summer,
the U.S. and Canada will enjoy borders that are
open to all athletes — HIV- or HIV+ —
and revel in the sportsmanship and athleticism
that are sure to make both the Outgames and the
Gay Games events none of us will soon forget.”
– 30 –
Sources:
| About
Montréal 2006
The 1st World Outgames Montréal
2006 Organising Committee is a not-for-profit
organisation. The Outgames will be the
largest LGBT event ever held, with more
than 16,000 registered participants and
almost 250,000 visitors. The sport, cultural
and Conference programmes will be held
from 26 July to 5 August 2006. Thirty-five
sports disciplines will be represented
during seven days of competitions. Participants
from around the world and from over 120
different countries are expected. Opening
and Closing ceremonies will cap off the
sports competitions, which are open to
all, plus three official parties organised
by BBCM, creators of the famous Black
& Blue annual dance parties. An international
rendez-vous not to be missed!
For the first time
in the history of LGBT sport, the 1st
World Outgames will be televised during
prime time on Radio-Canada, Canada’s
national public broadcaster. International
sponsors for the 1st World Outgames include
the Government of Canada; the Government
of Québec; the City of Montréal;
Radio-Canada; Tourisme Montréal;
Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE); Labatt
Breweries; Via Rail Canada; Air Canada;
Borough of Ville-Marie; Magazine Fugues;
GayWired.com; Bent Magazine; PrideNation
Network; and more than 90 other partners,
sponsors, strategic alliances and supporters.
|
|
|
