The City of Chicago announced today that British pop superstar Andy Bell of Erasure would perform at the July 15 Opening Ceremony for the 2006 Gay Games and that two of the world's most recognized brands - Gatorade and ESPN - had joined as major sponsors which now number more than 300 corporations and agencies signing to support the international event.
The Games will feature 12,000 participants, competition in 30 sports, world-class athletes and artists, band and choral performances, nightly medal ceremonies, a week-long arts festival, parties, and spectacular opening and closing ceremonies featuring entertainment, pageantry, and the parade of participants from more than 70 countries.
The announcement was made at the Mayor's annual Pride Reception, before more than 500 representatives of the lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) community at the Chicago Cultural Center.
For further information on the 2006 Gay Games, visit gaygameschicago.org. Tickets are available via tickets.gaygameschicago.org
At Equality California's (EQCA) 7th annual Equality Awards (held in Los Angeles), Andy Bell will be presented with EQCA's Equality Entertainment Award.
As a trailblazing gay public figure, Andy Bell has made a significant contribution to changing attitudes toward members of the LGBT community, and continues to serve as a role model for others both in and out of the spotlight.
The Equality Awards celebrate extraordinary and heroic contributions to the cause of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality.
Regular and VIP tickets are available for $250 and $350 respectively. Tables of ten are available for $2,500 and $3,500 respectively.
For more information, please contact Traci at Blue Room Events at traci@blueroomevents.com or (310) 491-1401.
The 2006 Life After Stroke Awards ceremony took place on Thursday 8 June. The event was created in order to formally recognise and celebrate the achievements of people of all ages who have shown tremendous courage in rebuilding their lives following a stroke.
Importantly, the awards also acknowledge the work of carers and others who show true commitment and compassion helping those affected by the devastating impact of stroke.
The ceremony, compered by Dr Mike Smith, included 10 awards in total. They were presented by a host of celebrities, including Prunella Scales, Sue Townsend, Cliff Parisi, Andy Bell, Lynda Bellingham, Sarah Greene, Julie Peasgood and Tony Hart.
A very limited number of 'I Say I Say I Say' black teapots have surfaced and are available for purchase via the EIS shop.
In addition, a box of ERAS-5 19 song promotional CDs (from 1992) has been found, and are being given away free only with orders for 'Union Street' t-shirts.
Please ensure that you add the promotional CD to your shopping basket if you want one included with your 'Union Street' t-shirt order.