Chicago Homes Needed to Host Gay Games Athletes

Chicago, IL - The Chicago organizers of the 2006 Gay Games are asking Chicago area residents to open their homes for housing athletes & artists from other cities.

The 2006 Gay Games are now seeking "Hosts" for its Hosted Housing Program - Chicagoland residents willing to provide free sleeping accommodations to one or more sports competitors or cultural performers.

Launched at the end of April, the Gay Games Hosted Housing Program is an online matching service. "Hosts" log on to www.gaygameschicago.org, select Housing and then Hosted Housing, and complete the online Host Registration Form. Participants ("Guests") seeking accommodations will use the same system and will contact "Hosts" directly to make arrangements.

About 300 homes will be needed to accommodate the 400 to 500 participants, according to Gay Games organizers.

"This July we invite those in the Chicago area to share in the Gay Games by hosting a participant from another part of the U.S. or another country," said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games Chicago Board co-vice chair. "The Gay Games celebrates sports, culture and diversity, and Chicago will benefit as a city from the influx of so many different people from around the world July 15-22. Hosting an athlete or artist makes participation possible for someone who otherwise may be unable to share in a life-changing experience."

There is no cost to participate in the Hosted Housing program by either Host or Guest, and Hosts are not permitted to charge fees of any kind to participants. Guest Participants will receive a 10-day CTA pass, so Host homes should be close to CTA bus or rail lines. Participant lodging is also available in Chicagoland area hotels, dormitory housing downtown and hostel housing. Visit the Housing page on the Gay Games website at www.gaygameschicago.org for a description of all housing options.

ChicagoPride.com is a proud All-Star sponsor of the 2006 Chicago Gay Games.