Outgames EcoChallenge - Whistler Strikes Gold!

The weather gods provided the 2011 Vancouver Outgames EcoChallenge warriors amazing weather conditions for a truly epic adventure race at Lost Lake Park in Whistler, BC. The racers endured a 10KM track with an approximate elevation gain of 1,000 feet over seven disciplines: Running, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Rappel, Building a raft and paddel, Tyrolean Traverse, and Orienteering. Each team needed to complete a series of six check points to collect a ribbon, each ribbon a different color and together they make up a Rainbow Pride Flag.

The first Medals for the Outgames have been awarded to the EcoChallengers below! Congratulations!

Novice/Intermediate (Team of 2)

Men Gold: Michael Frolick & Rohan Hare [1hour, 45 min.]
Men Silver: Bill Wu & Hoa Ly [1 hour, 58 min.]
Men Bronze: Michael Brown & Daniel Suman [2hours, 30 min.]

Senior Men Gold: Greg Larocque & Terry Syvenky [3hours, 25 min.]
Senior Men Silver: Bruce Townsend & Gord Dunbar [3 hours, 28 min]

Women Gold: Karen McCormick, Elaine Colford, Diane Smith, Beth Hamilton [3 hours, 28 min.]
Vancouver2011Outgames.com

TFD: Outgames & Vancouver Pride Parties

This is going to be a summer like no other with so many things to see and do... If you do not have a road map to your social plans for the week... you better get on it right away or get left in the street!

TFD Presents the following Social engagements that you may just want to check out:
rapture: heatwave | outdoor pool party at the Westin Grand Hotel, 433 Robson Street
starring: RuPaul's Drag Race 3 Runner up manila luzon; DJ nick bertossi, DJ landon james,& special performance by cassandra
Saturday, July 30 – 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tickets range froom $22.40 ~ $33.60 available at Little Sister's and Priape Vancouver


After the Outgames Closing Party at the Plaza of Nations with an impressive line up of entertainment all day long including headliners, Dragonette, and Ace of Base from 11AM-11PM... You may still have some energy to burn off so why not head down to...
rapture: dominate | leather/military party | Commodore ballroom, 868 Granville Street, featuring dj craig gaibler (sfo) & dj marcus purnell (yvr) Featuring like Kink and Fetish demonstrations all night long! Suggested Dress Code: Leather, Military, Denim, Fetish wear
Saturday, July 30 – 9:00 pm – 3:00 am Tickets: $64.25 available online

On Sunday, July 31st after an epic Pride Parade day and incredible Outgames Volunteer Wrap Party at the Plaza of Nations and you are still looking to shake your booty... then the final Victory Party at the Commodare Ballroom, 868 Granville Street... is the place to be... this party goes from 9PM to 4AM with the super star DJ's of the freemasons, micky friedmann and special guest performances by Shokra, Raja, and Peter Breeze. Tickets are $81.00 and available online

For more information on the 2nd North America Outgames refer to Vancouver2011Outgames.com
For more information on the 33rd Annual Vancouver Gay Pride Celebrations and Parade refer to VancouverPride.ca

Plan ahead and book your hotel rooms for the 20th Annual GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE by September 1st with the best deals of the season guaranteed! Call 1.866.787.1966 for your custom quote or visit online at GayWhistler.com

Outgames Begin! Travel Tips - Whistler

Wow, it has been an exciting journey to bring the 2nd North America Outgames to Vancouver & Whistler. With so much to see and do I thought I would share some great travel tips for Whistler!

The one card you want for this summer is the Outgames Fast Track Card. This card is loaded with hundreds of dollars worth of savings including some of our merchants in Whistler!

Whistler Blackcomb is offering $5 off at the ticket window for the world record breaking Peak2Peak Gondola. Whistler is now one of the most accessible alpine experiences for novice day hikers in the world. Just remember to dress in layers as mountain weather can change in a blink of an eye, and just because it is 25C (82F) in the village does not mean that it will be as warm up top... you can expect temperatures to be 10+ degrees cooler or more! The Alpine is still heavy with snow, so if you want to have a snowball fight in the middle of summer... Whistler is the place to be!

So if you decide to come up and chill in Whistler either pre/post Outgames or Vancouver Pride... the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the place to call home. Situated right at the base of Blackcomb mountain and a short walk to the very popular Lost Lake trails and of course Lost Lake itself. The Fairmont is offering Outgames passholders a special upgrade upon availability. The Fairmont has some awesome specials right now, so go on... book that room and then flash your card and get a complimentary upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability of course!)

Of course after an epic day in Whistler you have no doubt worked up an appetite! The Flipside in Village North is your place to be... here you flash your Outgames pass and get a free appie! A fun place with generous portions, reasonable prices and great food. I'll go back every night. Fish and Chips are worth the trip alone-fresh cod with skinny fries, I had the schnitzel and my eyeballs coveted the Girlfriends spaghetti at the next table. Three course $20 special included a great caesar and cheesecake with raspberries Yum Yum Yum. Added Value: Free appetizer
Description: Flipside Restaurant is delighted to support the Vancouver 2011 Outgames and offer all Outgames cardholders one Free appetizer with a purchase of a main course.

If you have gone hiking one of the thousands of trails or paddeled down the River of Golden Dreams (and maybe taken an unexpected dip in the river?!) no doubt you are looking for a good way to unwind and soak those weary bones... The Scandinave Spa is the perfect destination. Flash your Outgames Frast Track Card and save $5. Situated just north of Whistler Village, B.C., engulfed in a spruce and cedar forest on the edge of Lost Lake and Spruce Grove parks, this unique spa overlooks incredible mountain vistas and valleys. Invigorate and cleanse your body and mind in the hot baths and refreshing waterfalls, melt away with a relaxing massage, and breathe in the invigorating country air.

As you gaze up to the snow covered peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb you start to think of your winter plans and what a better way to get started than by getting a jump on the Early Bird Pricing for the Full Week Men's or Women's WinterPRIDE Pass! Enjoy a $25 gift voucher that you can use towards your 2012 WinterPRIDE pass. It is easy just purchase your pass online... and enter into comments Promo Code "Outgames" along with your card number and we will take $25 off your event pass. Buy today and save!

Shock Result - Serena “Willie-Ams” beaten by Cornelius the Beaver

In a shock result Serena Willie-Ams was beaten by Cornelius the Beaver, mascot for Canadian Pacific in a hard fought tennis exhibition game.

Serena Willie-Ams took on all-comers at the Vancouver Summer Live 125th Birthday event which took place in Stanley Park on July 9th, 2011. This appearance is prior to taking her place on centre court at the North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames running July 25-31, 2011.

Serena took on 20 competitors in a ``best of three shots game`` with opponents having the opportunity to win prizes by beating her. Serena arrived in style in her Pink Limo driven by her chauffeur Ryan.
Serena`s 20 competitors included three mascots; Bee Bop from the Vancouver Aquarium, Parka from Parks Canada and Cornelius from Canadian Pacific and 17 women, men, girls and boys who attempted to beat Serena in this tennis challenge. They proved to be a wonderful group of competitors, ideally suited for this equal opportunity challenge, highlighting the nature of the Outgames - diversity & inclusivity.

Cornelius proved to be the surprise star tennis player beating Serena 2 to 1 while 2 of the children and one of the adults also managed to win their prizes. Volunteers were recruited as ball boys, linesmen and cheerleaders and the huge crowd blew whistles and enthusiastically cheered on their favourites.

Serena is actually a local athlete participating in the North America 2011 Outgames which are being hosted in Vancouver this year in recognition of the city`s dedication to equal rights and opportunities. Serena, real name Symone Says, admits that Serena is only her ``Nomme de Sport”. ``I admire the real Serena, both on and off the court, and want to emulate her feistiness, spirit of adventure and of course, sporting ability,” said Symone.


John Boychuk (President of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames) said of the match. ``I had total confidence in Serena, her ball play has to be seen to be believed, but Cornelius proved to be a very capable beaver”.

The Vancouver 2011 Outgames will include multi-sport elements supported by GLISA (Gay Lesbian International Sports Association of North America) including Soccer, Volleyball, Eco-Challenge (Whistler) 10K Run, Golf and many more taking place throughout the Lower Mainland. For more information on the Sporting events of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames click here
For more details about the Vancouver 2011 Outgames go to vancouver2011outgames.com
Photos by Outgames photographer: Mark Kinskofer Click here to view Outgames Expo Tennis Match image gallery

Venus and Serena “Willie-Ams” Exhibition Tennis Game

July 8, 2011 (Vancouver, B.C.) Venus and Serena Willie-Ams will be in Vancouver, B.C. to take part in an exhibition tennis match at the Vancouver Summer Live event taking place in Stanley Park on July 9th, 2011 prior to taking centre court at the North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames running July 25-31, 2011.

The “twins” are actually local athletes participating in the Vancouver 2011 Outgames which are being hosted in Vancouver this year in recognition of the city`s dedication to equal rights and opportunities.

The twins, real names Symone Says and Afrodesia Jenkins, admit that Venus and Serena are only their ``Nommes de Sport”. ``We admire Venus and Serena, both on and off the court, and want to emulate their feistiness, spirit of adventure and of course, sporting ability,” said Symone.

John Boychuk (President of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames) says of the match. ``I think it will be a very exciting game and I`m having a hard time trying to guess the eventual winner. Venus has a very strong serve and Serena`s ball play has to be seen to be believed”.

The exhibition match takes place at 3.00pm on Saturday July 9th at Brockton Oval in Stanley Park and attendance is free. During the Outgames, Venus and Serena will be found on the tennis courts in Stanley Park or propping up the bar at the Plaza of Nations “Cultural Festival”.

The Vancouver 2011 Outgames will include multi-sport elements supported by GLISA (International Sports Association of North America) including Soccer, Volleyball, Eco-Challenge (Whistler) 10K Run, Golf and many more taking place throughout the Lower Mainland. For more information on the Sporting events of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames click here
For more details about Summer Live visit vancouver.ca and for more details about the Vancouver 2011 Outgames go to www.vancouver2011outgames.com