FEATURE Final countdown for Jhb Gay Games VIII 2010 bid Hold thumbs South Africa! November 07, 2005 Lincoln Park Lake with Chicago skyline After two years of preparation, the Johannesburg Gay Games Bid Committee will present the final bid in Chicago to host the Gay Games VIII in 2010. With rehearsals on 11 November, and a final video/live presentation on the 12th, we'll know on 13 November whether Joburg has won the bid to host one of the world's largest sporting and cultural events. Joburg is up against Paris, France and Cologne, Germany. Our bid is being driven by the city's gay and lesbian community and the specially created Section 21 organisation that includes over 50 active members contributing thousands of volunteer hours. James Mathias, Bid co-chair, will lead the delegation of nine to Chicago. The City of Johannesburg will be represented by Clr. Christine Walters on behalf of Executive Mayor Amos Masondo. Eddy Khosa, CEO of The Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC), a key bid supporter, will join Bongi Mokaba, the Director of Special Events for the City. In addition South African Tourism will be represented by Claude Pretorius, Portfolio Manager for the Americas; and Gauteng Tourism Authority will be represented by CEO, Advocate Cawe Mahlati. Joburg's bid was lodged on 15 March this year and three delegates from the Federation did a sie inspection in August. "We surprised ourselves with how highly our venues rate, and our community support nearly overwhelmed them," says Mathias. "We know, from research done at the 2002 Sydney Games, that almost 5,000 of the expected participants come from North America and about as many from Europe. Most won't just come for the 8 day Games. They'll take a few weeks and that gives the entire province - and country - an opportunity to benefit", said CEO of the Gauteng Tourism Authority Adv. Cawe Mahlati. Eddy Khosa of the JTC said the venues for the various sports and cultural events are highly rated. "The general capacity is world class – our venues, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, cultural offerings, and other amenities are of a very high standard. Where we came up short we'll fix," Khosa said. A big plus factor for our bid is the budget for the Games, something which is rigorously scrutinised by the Federation. "With the help of the City we were able to retain KPMG who created a superb financial tool that proves we can make every financial decision a conservative one and still host world class Games," says Mathias. The economic benefits for Joburg, based on South African Tourism estimated spend amounts, are easily over R400 million, with multi-million Rand spin-offs in Gauteng and other provinces. Job creation is also supported with 38 part-and full-time jobs, at least 402 support jobs during the Games, and hundreds more jobs for transportation, catering, sponsors, on so forth. A big media contingent is also expected – in fact a US cable TV station is ready to negotiate a million-dollar deal with the selected 2010 host. If Joburg gets the nod for the Games, more than 11 000 participants will take part in at least 27 sports and various cultural activities. Newtown will be turned into "The Ubuntu Village" with sports hubs at Ellis Park Sports Precinct, the Randburg Sports Precinct, and Marks' Park. One-off sports are proposed for the Kollonade in Pretoria (the country's only ice-hockey rink of the required standard), Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Course, Kyalami, Cresta and Brightwater Commons. "Our bid has three main strengths," said Tanya Harford, Co-Chair. "First we produce a world-class product in mostly superb venues for almost half the price of either of our competitors. Second, the Games have never been held in a developing country. Thirdly, we have a strong desire to host these Games not just for the competition and fun they'll bring, but because many of our sisters and brothers still struggle for their rights. These Games will change Africa," said Harford. If Joburg's bid is successful, Gay Games VIII will be held over eight days approximately 12 weeks after the Soccer World Cup in the city. The success of the Gay Games will also be considerably enhanced by the multi-million upgrading of infrastructure and venues that are in train for the Soccer World Cup. On the Sunday morning (13 November), the three bid cities will take part in a joint Questions and Answer session and the Federation will announce at 23:00 South African time which city has been awarded the eighth International Gay Games in 2010. It's a key nail-biting step in a long journey, which may just be about to start! Pre – Announcement Bash Join the Gay Games Joburg Bid Committee (those that aren't in Chicago at least) on Sunday 13 November for a Pre-Announcement Bash. On 13 November at 16h00 Chicago time, the winning Gay Games 2010 city will be announced – that's midnight, Johannesburg time! Now we don't expect you to stay up with us on a Sunday night to find out, but we would like you to join us for a get together at the Rhino Bar, in the Heartlands, that afternoon. Date: 13 November Time: From 14h30 onwards Venue: Rhino Bar, Heartlands, Cnr Juta and Henry Street, Braamfontein Entry fee: Free of charge! Why: To send good vibes across the seas to our delegation in Chicago putting forward the Joburg bid for the Gay Games 2010. DJ's: Frank and Morne. Giveaways! Sunglass giveaways from Buch & Deichmann Sunglasses – 2 funky pairs of sunglasses will be given away every 30 minutes from 15h00 till 19h30. Everyone and anyone is invited to come along - so forward this on to your friends and make some new ones on the day. What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with some friends, lounge music and fab cocktails! Look forward to seeing you all there! Support the Joburg Gay Games Bid We call on all gay business owners, especially those that target the gay community, to help out. Remember, we all (gay and straight) stand to benefit from being awarded the bid. You’ll also be acknowledged on the Gay Games website, with a link to your own website, should you contribute a thousand Rand or more! To assist financially (even R50 will make a difference) transfer your contribution to the following account: Johannesburg Gay Games Bid Committee Bank: Standard Bank Rivonia Branch code: 001255 Account Number: 023038489 Issued by www.gaygamesjohannesburg.com Related stories LPGA'S Rosie Jones comes out [23/03/2004]