With three months to go, and athletes from as far away as Nigeria, Australia, Germany, London and Japan attending, the GLISA North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames is moving ahead full steam in preparation of this summer’s Outgames taking place in Vancouver, July 25-31^st, 2011.

The Vancouver 2011 Outgames will include 18 sport elements supported by GLISA (International Sports Association of North America) including Soccer, Volleyball, Hockey, Eco-Challenge (Whistler) 10K Run, Golf and many more taking place throughout the Lower Mainland. Locations include Softball City in Surrey, Whistler, Edgewater Casino, Langara Golf Course, Stanley Park, Yaletown and more! For more information on the Sporting element of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames click here: http://www.vancouver2011outgames.com/sports.html

A key component of to the Games is the Human Rights Conference, taking place at the Sheraton Wall Centre. Featured keynote speakers will include Blake Skjellerup (Olympic short track speed skater) and Sara Davis Buechner (Professor of Music UBC and concert pianist) and Stephen A. Glassman, Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission . The Vancouver 2011 Human Rights Conference will build on previous Outgames conferences including the   Montreal   Declaration (2006) ,   the Calgary Blueprint (2007) and the   Copenhagen   Best Practices (2009) . A complete list of speakers and conference seminars is available at www.vancouveroutgames.com/conference.html.

The third component of the Outgames is the Cultural Celebration! Featuring the Flag Run, Opening and & Closing Ceremonies, Womenzone, showcase performances by various artists, medal ceremonies and so much more all happening concurrently with Vancouver Pride Week!  For more on the cultural activities click: http://www.vancouver2011outgames.com/celebrations.html