Australian cycling star and Olympian Michelle Ferris has been selected by the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) to be the newest Gay Games Ambassador. The next Gay Games will take place in Cologne in July and August, 2010.

“I relish the opportunity to be a Gay Games Ambassador,” said Ferris. “The Gay Games provide a unique opportunity for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender athletes and artists from around the world to come together in celebration.”

Ferris’s 20-year cycling career peaked with a series of silver medals in the sprint and 500 metre time trials at the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2000 and at the UCI World Cycling Championships from 1997-1999.  She also won silver at Sydney’s 2000 Olympics.

Ferris said she supports high profile athletes being open about their sexuality.

“Elite athletes have the responsibility and the honour of serving as role models for the LGBT community, and we can do this by living our lives proudly,” she said.

by CATHY ANDERSON

Details: www.gaygames.org