From 31 July to 7 August Cologne will be hosting the VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010. About 12,000 athletes will be participating to celebrate the festival of open games – and therewith present an attendance figure comparable to the Olympic Games.

For one week Cologne will be scene of exciting competitions between sportsmen and women as well as cultural events to celebrate and peacefully demonstrate for more tolerance towards gay men and women, bisexuals and transgender true to the motto
"Be part of it!"

„Be part of it!“ also means that anyone can participate regardless of ability, age, sexual orientation, race, gender, nationality, political or religious beliefs or ethnic origin.

Softball is one of the most popular sports at the VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010. With a total of overall 12,000 expected participants in 34 athletic disciplines we are anticipating about 500 Softball players.

There will be about 40 teams competing in the three categories "women's fast-pitch", "women's slow-pitch" and "men's slow-pitch".
For six days competitions will take place on six fields (four in front of the RheinEnergieStadion, two at the Sportpark Müngersdorf, the ballpark of the Cologne Cardinals). This will make the VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010 Germany's biggest Softball-event so far!

The participating athletes will consist of different performance levels and therefore will be divided into three divisions: Division A for competitive players, Division B for advanced players and Division C for recreational players and beginners.

All softball players of all performance levels may register as a team member or as an individual player that then will be assigned to a team. Each team may consist of 9-18 players; all players may only compete in one category and in one division.

"Be part of it!" and register yourself or your team on www.games-cologne.com

The Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 needs your support!
At the heart of the Gay Games are many volunteers without whom Germany's largest Softball event would not be possible.
If you would like to be part of the Gay Games VIII as a any kind of volunteer, for setting up the fields, as an umpire, a scorer, as ground-crew or to look after the teams, write us a message to s.mueller@games-cologne.de and „Be part of it!“

One more thing: It is also possible to participate as a sportsperson at the Cologne Gay Games and IN ADDITION assist as a volunteer!

Here's a selection of banners you can use on your website to support the Gay Games Cologne 2010: http://www.abbots.de/gaygames/banner.html