From July 25-August 1, 2009 Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, will stage the much anticipated 2nd World Outgames.
With 8,000 people expected to participate from around the world, this will be the largest sports and cultural event ever held on Danish soil.
A multitude of popular and cultural events
The World Outgames addresses itself initially – but by no means exclusively – to the homosexual community. The aim is that, once it is underway, the event will be perceived as relevant and welcoming for all inhabitants of Copenhagen.
World Outgames 2009 will be a multi-facetted, popular and cultural event, involving people from different nationalities, and cultural and religious backgrounds. At the same time we will focus on creating a good balance between the major elements of the programme that take place on the harbour, beach and in Tivoli and the City Hall Square, and the various smaller events elsewhere in town, on the squares, in the streets and backyards, says director Uffe Elbæk, World
Outgames 2009.
The event is based on a programme featuring competitions in 30 sports and a varied cultural programme. As well as this, many unofficial arrangements are expected to take place. Alongside the games there will be a human rights conference with 1,500 delegates expected.
Copenhagen’s identity at stake
A major international event like the World Outgames sends a signal to the rest of the world that Denmark has to be a tolerant society, where there is place and space for people who choose their own lifestyle and identity, whether it be in terms of culture, religion or sexuality.
– Personally I see the entire event as something that will, to a large extent, define Copenhagen’s identity. It is one of those kinds of international events, which on the strength of the contents of its programme alone, along with its inherent cultural and opinion forming nature will challenge Copenhagen’s identity and sense of self. It throws the city’s tolerance into sharp focus and, in addition, it is a kind of test of strength in terms of any future potential to host major, international sports event, such as the Olympics, says director Uffe Elbæk.
Further information Director Uffe Elbæk
tel.: +45 3355 7492
E-mail: uel@woco.dk
Head of Communications Sune Prahl
tel.: +45 6120 8806
E-mail: spr@woco.dk
Facts on World Outgames 2009 • Takes place in Copenhagen 25 July-1 August 2009
• Estimated number of participants: 8,000 (of which 1,500 are conference participants)
• Anticipated number of countries: 100
• Sports programme with over 30 different sports
• Culture programme with a choice of cultural activities, from summer schools and workshops to music in the city’s squares
• Human rights conference with an expected 1,500 participants
• The World Outgames 2009 was established as a private company of Wonderful Copenhagen on 1 January 2007
• Primary partners are: Glisa, the homosexual community in Copenhagen, Copenhagen City Council, and Wonderful Copenhagen
• The first World Outgames took place in Montreal, Canada in the summer of 2006
• The spirit of World Outgames in Copenhagen is:
“Love of freedom. Freedom to love”.
• Read more at:
www.copenhagen2009.org