So far there are over 100 different types of Volunteer positions identified. In the upcoming weeks more tasks and needs will be identified. We are looking for support from a wide range of different areas and abilities. The jobs range from accreditation workers and tournament escorts to driving services, support for visitors, and specific sports support.

It does not matter whether you come from Cologne, Germany or another part of the world. We want your help whether you speak German, English, or another language. You can volunteer if you want to help with a certain sport, with the cultural and events area, or with the opening ceremony. We will have the perfect Volunteer task for you!

Here is how it works:

- Review the positions offered in the Volunteers Portal and choose one of the options.

- Not finding the position you want? Register as a volunteer and you will receive information about new positions which you can choose.

The Volunteers Portal offers even more. It puts you in contact with other volunteers. You may find someone in your area. The portal will provide training for your task in Cologne. You will also receive information about the special masters program for the Volunteers, about admission to evening meetings, and much more. The volunteer coordinator for your chosen area will provide you with up-to-date information over the portal.

Of course you can also register as a volunteer, even if you have already registered as a participant in a sport or a cultural event.

All information can be found on our website.

Gay Games VIII will take place in Cologne, Germany, from 31 July to 7 August, 2010. Some 10,000 participants from more than 70 countries are expected to participate in over 35 sport and cultural events.

Built upon the principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best, for more than 25 years the Gay Games have empowered thousands of LGBT athletes and artists through sport, culture, and fellowship. The first Gay Games took place in 1982 in San Francisco and have been held every four years since.

The Gay Games are open to EVERYONE – LGBT or straight, male or female, transgender or transsexual, beginner or experienced.

REGISTER HERE – BE PART OF IT!
http://www.games-cologne.de/en/take-part/registration

11 is a magical number in the Rhineland. This is especially valid for Cologne. For the Cologner, the 11 looks like their beloved cathedral, the landmark of the city. Cologners love their carnival even more, which traditionally begins on 11/11 at 11:11 AM. The Cologner Carnival reflects a lot of the same values as the Gay Games.

This is reason enough for the Cologne Gay Games to sweeten the registration offer, 261 days before the Opening Ceremony, with a “Kamellschen“ (a sweet made for the carnival), a sweet registration offer!

Currently the registration fee is 125 euros*. But your fee can be a little bit lower. If you register on 11 November 2009**, we will grant you a discount of 11 euros! Enter the discount code “111109” during your registration, in the “voucher code” field you will find on the payment page at www.games-cologne.com. After you have typed the discount code “111109,” the reduced registration fee of 114 euros will appear on your bill.

We look forward to your registration! And we especially look forward to your participation at the Gay Games Cologne 2010 beginning 31 July. On the program are 34 kinds of sport and 5 cultural events – there’s something for everyone. Additionally we’re planning an extensive social program. You can already book your tickets today for many attractions from our event series “Fans & Friends.”

At the VIII Gay Games Cologne 2010 we will show that all participants – LGBT or not – are created equal and can have a great experience. Be part of it!

By the way: You can find more information about the Cologner Carnival on our website: www.games-cologne.de/en/static/gay-cologne/carnival-a-fantastic-time

And: You can also celebrate the carnival with us during the Gay Games: www.games-cologne.de/en/events/events-2010

* Plus the sport – or the cultural fee of 40 to 100 euros. The exact amount depends on the particular event. If you don’t register until 2010, you will pay a registration fee of 150 euros.

** The discount code is valid only on November 11, 2009 between 0:00 AM and 24:00 PM local time in the country from which the registration is made.

Save 11 euros – Be part of it!
http://www.games-cologne.com

Link to Info About Scholarships

Link to the Scholarship Application.

Take a journey through the city’s rich history, the gay-lesbian Cologne, through parks and gardens and of course the cathedral. Whether by foot, bike or the bus: experience the city and its history and many stories.
The surrounding area, too, offers many options for relaxing. Discover castles, churches, narrow alleyways and wide views: by foot or by motorcycle.

Those seeking athleticism, wanting to try something new or rediscover the familiar can look forward to sports workshops. No competitive stress, but serenity, focus, silence and action – there’s something for everyone.
But there’s more – from the cinema night and lectures to church offerings. Be inspired and browse through the many facets of the social program.

A great big thank you goes to all the people, clubs and institutions that make it possible for you to experience Cologne and its surrounding area from so many different perspectives. You can look forward to an inspirational time!

Please note the following:

• The list of activities will continue to grow. Keep checking in to keep up to date.§    Register online now to assure your place at the Cologne Gay Games. The number of participants is limited. After the maximum number of participants has been reached, registration and participation will be closed.
• Register online or at the village during the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. The venue does not offer the option to purchase tickets.
• Please note the 5/01/2010 registration deadline for some events!
• Up to 3.- EUR of each ticket purchase will go to the outreach program.

To see the list of events for Fans and Friends, click HERE.

“It’s a good result, we’re on schedule” says Annette, our Co-President at a meeting of the entire organizing team. “Yet, some disciplines have a limited number of participants. Golf for example is already 50 percent filled.”

At the highly attended volunteer party on 13 August in Cologne’s Wolkenburg the Co-Presidents Annette and Michael introduced our new project manager Armin.

“One year before the opening on 31 July 2010 at the RheinEnergieStadion the tasks become very specific and complex. The registration numbers are increasing. The growing base of volunteers needs to be coordinated. We want them to be in good hands and have a good working climate. There are many questions pertaining to various areas of our organizational structure. This requires increased communication between the working teams, which needs to be coordinated” explains spokesman Ingo Schneider. “We are well prepared and are really looking forward to this big event next year.”

Team Oregon 2010 organizers remind members that it is their responsibility to register for the Gay Games.

Click HERE to learn more about registering.