Melbourne to host regional Outgames

The first regional Outgames for Asia Pacific will be held in Melbourne early next year, it was revealed at Sunday’s Midsumma Carnival Day.

Melbourne 2008 had a soft launch at the Carnival Day as sporting groups were informed of the intention to host the Asia Pacific Outgames from 30 January to 3 February 2008.

The licence agreement between the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association Asia Pacific (GLISA) and the Melbourne Outgames is in its final stage. The inaugural event will carry the theme, play with your neighbours.

While it is less than 12 months until the inaugural Asia Pacific Outgames are slated to be staged, organisers are confident that the event will go ahead in the southern capital city in some form.

Lorraine Little, co-president of Melbourne 2008 Asia Pacific Outgames, confirmed meetings were under way to determine the type of event the city would be able to stage.

We are definitely doing it, but in terms of scale and scope, it is not set, Little said.

We have three models possible at this point in time. We are in very positive discussions with the City of Melbourne and several sponsors, but nothing has been signed off on yet. We are comfortable with the fact we will be able to produce a tight tournament in 12 months’ time.

Twelve sports will make up the competition, including swimming, running, rowing, water polo, tennis and volleyball.

Melbourne 2008 Asia Pacific Outgames will be held during the Midsumma festival, with Melbourne 2008 staging the sporting events, while Midsumma will assist with the cultural events and human rights conference.

Little said Melbourne 2008 organisers were being very cautious in the wake of the Montr? Outgames’ $6 million loss

You can’t operate without due diligence, Little said. When we first went to the City of Melbourne with our concept proposal, we based in it on very cautious figures of 1,500 participants. Their response was it would be at least 3,000 based on what they already know.

We do know if we don’t get the anticipated levels of corporate sponsorship, we can still deliver on a minimal budget.

Little and joint co-president Peter Sagar will be in Sydney to promote Melbourne 2008 Outgames at this weekend’s Mardi Gras Fair Day at the Team Sydney stall.

For more information visit the Melbourne Outgames website.