Press release
March 2007

Copenhagen to host World Outgames 2009

Copenhagen will host the World Outgames from July 25 to August 1. The World Outgames is a sports, cultural and human rights event primarily for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. It will be the largest international sports and cultural event ever held on Danish soil, with 8,000 people from all corners of the world expected to participate.

From July 25 to August 1, 2009 Copenhagen will stage the much anticipated 2^nd World Outgames - a sports, cultural and human rights event for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals - beneath the banner, "Serious sport, serious culture and totally serious fun". 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 Rådhuspladsen (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 sports programme featuring competitions in 30 different sporting fields 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 to play for
A major international event like the World Outgames sends a signal to the rest of the world that Denmark is 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 kind 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 3325 7400 email: uel@woco.dk
Head of Communications Sune Prahl Knudsen, tel.: +45 3325 7400 email: spr@woco.dk

Facts on World Outgames 2009
Takes place in Copenhagen 25 July to 1 August 2009
Estimated number of participants: 8,000 (of which 1,500 are conference participants)
Anticipated number of countries: 100
Anticipated budget: 60m DKK
Anticipated turnover for the city: 120m DKK
Sports programme with around 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 (LBL and CGL), Copenhagen City Council, and Wonderful Copenhagen.
The first World Outgames took place in Montreal, Canada in the summer of 2006.
Read more at: www.copenhagen2009.org