If you’ve got a loud mouth, hands that don’t hurt from excessive clapping and a broken leg which means you can’t play sport yourself, then get involved as an Outgames spectator. 

Sports supporters are being urged to register early for an Outgames Spectator Pass which offers a host of benefits throughout both the Outgames competition and the Midsumma Festival.

Pass holders will get priority access to tickets for the Outgames Opening Celebration at Melbourne Town Hall on January 31, free access and priority seating to many of the Outgames activities; benefits associated with the Midsumma Summa Club including special ticket prices to Midsumma performances and events, exclusive invitations to performances previews and exhibitions, arts and culture related discounts and VIP access to special events (see www.midsumma.org.au for details).
The passes cost $20. Details www.melbourneoutgames.org .

GOING FOR GOLD
The medal designs for the 1st Asia Pacific Outgames were revealed at the recent launch of the Midsumma and Outgames guide recent. The gold, silver and bronze medals are designed by Melbourne’s Sabatini Belle, and feature the hero Outgames logo. The solid medals are carried by green and black ribbon. Winners will receive them throughout the sporting program, and will no doubt be flaunting them at the Outgames parade in conjunction with Pride March on February 3 in St Kilda.

WIN A CAR!
In order to raise funds for each sporting club and the OUtgames, Gold Sponsor of the event, smart car, has offered a brand new smart fortwo valued at $23,000 as the first prize in a fundraiser raffle.  
A proportion of each raffle ticket sold goes directly to the ticket-seller’s nominated community group, such as a queer sporting club.  All beneficiaries are recorded and documented under legal supervision.

The smart fortwo is a pretty zippy little number with a sexy body, economical operation and easy breezy parking ability. Keep an eye out for ticket sellers in the lead-up to the Outgames – tickerts cost only $5.  If you or your club would like to become ticket sellers please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The raffle will be drawn at Pride March, 6.30pm, February 3, 2008. The winner will be announced and notified by telephone and mail with the result will be published in The Australian, February 13, 2008 (so you can pin it on your wall).   

Surge victory!
The boys from Melbourne Surge Water Polo Club have capped off an incredible year by winning the Its Black team won the Victorian Water Polo State Championships in the DSL 5 division last Saturday. The team defeated Melbourne University 8-3 and will move up to the more competitive SL4 division next year. Details: wwww.melbournesurge.org
 

by CATHY ANDERSON