Photos from the Gay Games VII in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, IL - The Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival took place July 15-22, 2006 in Chicago, Illinois. With 11,750 athletes from 50 countries competing in 30 sports, the weeklong event included band, cheerleading and color guard performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, and a series of community-organized social events and parties. The opening ceremony was held July 15 at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium of the Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony was July 22 at Wrigley Field, the home of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs.

ChicagoPride.com Photos Coverage:

Gay Games VII Opening Ceremony: An estimated 30,000 spectators and 12,000 athletes and participants filled Chicago's Soldier Field for the Gay Games VII Opening Ceremony.

Opening Ceremony Procession by Rick Campbell

Opening Ceremony by Ryan Kolodziej
Opening Ceremony by Frank Failing
Opening Ceremony by Rick Campbell

Gay Games VII Events:

Rowing by Ryan Kolodziej
Wrestling by Frank FailingWrestling by Rick Campbell
Diving by Rick Campbell
Martial Arts by Rick Campbell
Tennis by Rick Campbell
Swimming by Rick Campbell
Physique by Frank Failing
Swimming by Ryan Kolodziej
Men's Basketball by Ryan Kolodziej
Indoor Volleyball by Ryan Kolodziej

Gay Games VII Closing Ceremony: Thousands of spectators filled Wrigley Field as Chicago said an emotional goodbye to the seventh Gay Games. The celebrity-packed entertainment included Cyndi Lauper, Kristine W, Chicago's Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps and more!

Closing Ceremony by Ryan Kolodziej
Closing Ceremony by Frank Failing

Photo: Gay Games VII swimming competition at the University of Chicago. Swimming is consistently among the largest participant sports at the Gay Games. ChicagoPride.com was a proud sponsor of the Gay Games VII and the swimming competition.