GayGames, Cologne: Strictly Ballroom

GayCities Europe editor Paul Brummitt is at the GayGames in Cologne, where he’s competing in the triathlon and blogging and photographing all week.

Some of the dancers here are very, very good, and I have no idea how the judges choose between them. They are all so good and so sexy that they are hard to tell apart.

One of the great things about gay sports–apart from the guys and girls–is the creativity involved in choosing a team name. No straight team would ever call itself the “Glamourhead Sharks” (Melbourne, Australia), the “Left Footers” (London soccer) or the German club “Vorspiel,” which translates as “Foreplay.” It makes you want to have an extra competition for best name.

Soccer is played in a magnificent sports park here on the outskirts of the city. Many people are commenting about how good the venue is, not least because of its accessibility by efficient German trams. And soccer’s popularity here is in stark contrast to the often massive homophobia prevalent in the sport–ask anyone to name an out pro player and they can’t. Yet the teams here are play at a very high level–how about this headstand shot for skill. He can throw the ball in with a running headstand.

And finally, a plea from just about all the non-Germans you talk to here: We love your Bratwurst sausages and maybe even your “German Fries” – but we are athletes and healthy options would be nice at the venues too. One athlete had to spend the evening binging on sushi to compensate. Organizers please take note for Cleveland 2014. I guess we should be happy not to be going to Philadelphia and being force-fed on Philly cheese steak!

Photos by Paul Brummitt

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