Darwin to host 2014 Asia Pacific Outgames

Darwin has been chosen as the host city for the third Asia Pacific Outgames to be held in May 2014.

The decision was announced in New Zealand over the weekend by the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association - Asia Pacific (GLISA-AP).

The Outgames is held every three years, allowing GLBT people from throughout the Asia and Pacific regions to participate in sports and cultural programs and a human rights conference, with over 1000 people plus supporters expected to take part in the week-long event in Darwin.

With previous Outgames held in Melbourne and Wellington, GLISA-AP president Kevin Haunui said he was confident Darwin would host a successful event having met with government officials, tourist operators and members of the local GLBT community in April.

“We were impressed with the range of first-class facilities on offer in Darwin and the enthusiastic support from across the Darwin community for the hosting of the Games in Darwin,” he said.

About 16 sports will be included in the next Outgames, with the most popular events expected to be swimming, badminton and volleyball.

Organiser and member of the Darwin’s bidding committee, Nicci Carrol, said she would now be hoping to secure a $1 million budget with the help of local and Territory governments.

“Maybe we can talk some figures very, very soon – this is going to be huge for Darwin, it’s going to generate a lot of revenue,” Carrol told a local radio show.  

“We’re hoping we can get 2000 people at least. We expect because of our proximity to Asia we will get a lot of participants from that region and of course a lot of Australians coming to see the Top End.”

GLISA-AP host city liaison, Barry Taylor, said holding the games in Darwin would hopefully allow the event to attract more participants from the Asia Pacific region.

“In many countries within our region, GLBT people still do not enjoy equal human rights or acceptance, with many having to live secret lives due to the fear of discrimination, family or societal rejection and the possibility of violence,” he added.

For more information about the Asia Pacific Outgames, visit http://www.glisa.org/