The Event
REAL ATHLETES, REAL GOALS, REAL DREAMS.
Sport has the power to transcend culture, nationality, religion – in essence,“difference”. It levels the playing field; not just in sport,in life. It brings people together in a way unlike any other activity, breaking down barriers and building bridges.

From 26 July to 5 August 2006, the 1st World Outgames will do just that,bringing together lesbian, gay,bisexual,and transgender (LGBT) athletes from around the world in unprecedented numbers for a celebration of sport, culture and human rights.In the spirit of true inclusiveness, the Outgames are open to all,regardless of sexual orientation; all are welcome to participate.

It all begins with the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights, which will be held from 26 to 29 July 2006, where 2,000 delegates from every continent will come together for workshops and discussions led by internationally respected leaders in human rights, researchers, legal scholars and trade organisations. The Conference will close with the adoption of the Declaration of Montréal, which will be presented by international tennis champion Martina Navratilova and Canadian Olympic champion Mark Tewksbury during the Opening Ceremony of the Outgames at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, 29 July 2006.

Then, from 30 July to 5 August, the Outgames sport programme will offer competitions in 35 disciplines, with events for everyone from seasoned athletes to recreational players. The culture programme will bring participants together for 6 distinct musical, dance and social activities. Expertly organised events in world-class venues – get ready to shine!

All of this in Montréal, North America's "city of festivals" and world-renowned gay-friendly destination par excellence! Montrealers of all persuasions, gay and non-gay, will be the welcoming hosts to more than 16,000 participants from more than 120 countries, along with 250,000 visitors, who will flock to the city for what is destined to be an unforgettable experience and an international success.

The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006: Social change through sport.

Be part of us!

Dates
The International Conference on LGBT Human RightsThe International Conference on LGBT Human Rights26 to 29 July 2006.
The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 
From Saturday, 29 July to Saturday, 5 August 2006.

The Participants
The plan established provides for 16,000 participants in sports, culture and the conference.

Based on the principles of Participation and Celebration, Respect and Fairness, Innovation, Diversity and Empowerment (PRIDE), the games welcome everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, age, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, physical challenge, political beliefs, physical ability, athletic/artistic skills or HIV/ health status. There are no minimum athletic standards to qualify for the Outgames. The only requirement is the desire to support the ideals of the Outgames. People with specific needs or disabilities are integrated as full-fledged participants, volunteers, officials and spectators. By accepting the Outgames' challenge, all Outgames participants automatically become winners.

The Outgames are a safe and accepting environment where participants may express themselves openly and enjoy the camaraderie and rewards of sport, culture and art. In fact, the experience can be the highlight of a lifetime!

As individuals, participants celebrate personal achievement; as a collective, we experience group solidarity and celebrate the diversity and scope of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. Through the athletic and cultural activities of the Outgames, stereotypes are challenged and barriers broken down.

Montréal 2006's vision is to orchestrate the largest and most magnificent gathering of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transvestites, transsexuals and heterosexuals coming together in a festive spirit of celebration in North America's City of Festivals. Montrealers of all persuasions, gay and non-gay, are dedicated to making this event a resounding success, thereby bearing out Montréal's reputation as a City of Games.

The Programme
The 1st  World Outgames will combine the best of sports and culture, comprising 35 sporting disciplines and 6 cultural activities occurring over seven days (Sunday to Saturday). The International Conference on LGBT Human Rights will feature the following themes:

• Essential Rights
• Global Issues
• The Diverse LGBT Community
• Participation in Society
• Creating Social Change

For a listing of all 35 sports, please click here.

Our vision:

• The logo's torch-like shape with flame on top is meant to represent the spirit of the Outgames.
• The curved lines suggest movement from afar in all directions, signifying the emergence of the gay reality around the world.
• These curves further evoke the form of a person (woman or man) reaching upward in a joyous spirit of celebration (our sports pictograms are inspired by this concept).
• The three lines also evoke the shape of the letter "M" for Montréal.
• The line in the centre is the main focal point - the Rendez-Vous- where lesbians and gays as well as bisexual, transgender and gay-friendly people from all around the world will come together.
• The three lines also represent the three steps of a podium.

Estimated at about 340,000 strong, Montréal's gay and lesbian community is characterized by its exceptional dynamism and keen sense of commitment to promoting the rights, freedoms and well-being of all its members. The community has a long and proud tradition of mutual aid and support, with numerous groups and organizations actively providing a full spectrum of services, many of which have been provided for over four decades.

Montréal also has a rich tradition of volunteering. The 1st World Outgames are sure to bring the city and the gay and lesbian community together as never before.