Foreign Ministry to sponsor gay Olympics’ delegation
Itamar Eichner, 05.05.09, 19:10 / Israel Culture
The Foreign Ministry has decided to send an Israeli delegation to the 2009 World Outgames in Copenhagen and even sponsor part of the expenses.
Gay Games Copenhagen to host 2009 World Outgames / Oren Rice Denmark follows Canada’s lead, set to host second World Outgames next summer. Organizers hope to use events to boost awareness to gay rights; Israel one of six countries to be allotted special features compound
Gays and lesbians from dozens of countries across the world will travel to the Danish capital this summer for a 10-day festival that will include athletic competitions, cultural events and a human rights conference.
Israel will be represented by a delegation of athletes and artists from Tel Aviv, which marks its 100th anniversary this year. The Israeli Embassy in Denmark will also cover some of the costs.
Among the more famous members of the delegation are singers Ivri Lider and Dana International, the Renana Raz dance troupe and a well-known DJ. A Druze dance company, whose dancers are not gay themselves, will also represent Tel Aviv.