Jo'burg loses out to Chicago for Gay Games 2010

The decision was announced in Chicago, Illinois, where the seventh Gay Games will be held in 2006.

James Mathias and Tanya Harford, Co-chairs of the Johannesburg Gay Games Bid Committee, extended their warm congratulations to the Cologne Bid delegation: "Johannesburg and, indeed, South Africa, will be participating in the 2006 in Chicago and the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne to ensure that the legacy of the founding principles of the Games is continued."

"It is only fitting that a country with the world's most progressive constitution, which embraces the far-reaching doctrines of dignity, equality and inclusive moral citizenship, participates and ensures the success of the Gay Games. We congratulate the Cologne Bid delegation - they put in a stupendous effort," said Mathias and Harford in a joint statement.

The event is expected to draw over 12 000 participants and 15 000 spectators from around the globe. Financial spin-offs for Amsterdam and Sydney, both previous host cities, amounted to around US $55-million each.

The Johannesburg Gay Games Bid Committee was formed in November 2005 in a public-private initiative between stakeholders from the City of Johannesburg, South African Tourism, Gauteng Tourism Authority, Johannesburg Tourism Company, the South African Sports Commission and corporate sponsors such as Southern Sun Hotels, with broad representation and participation from the lesbian and gay community.

For further information, visit www.gaygamesjohannesburg.com or www.GayGames.com.