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!

 

 

International Conference on LGBT Human Rights

An International Conference on LGBT Human Rights will take place on Wednesday 26 July to Saturday 29 July in Montreal’s impressive convention centre, the Palais des Congrès, located in the heart of the city Political figures from the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec will be present at the opening dinner and the closing lunch. The Mayor of Montreal, M. Gérald Tremblay, has already confirmed his participation.

 

Conference participants will also be offered five plenary sessions, featuring a number of internationally-renowned keynote speakers, and will be able to choose from at least 200 workshops (40 simultaneously during each of five workshop sessions), which will deal with the many aspects of the five Conference themes: Essential Rights, Global Issues, the Diverse LGBT Community, Participation in Society, and Creating Social Change.

 

The Conference is expected to bring together 2000 people from around the world to discuss LGBT human rights.

 

See for more at http://www.montreal2006.org/