Gay Games shave reported record numbers of athletes signing on early to the 2010 world games in Cologne.

With more than 5,000 worldwide registrations, more than projected, it is anticipated Australia will be well represented.

Australian representative Philipp Lischke hopes to encourage a further 100 participants from Australia.

The Gay Games website stated that: ‘Experience shows that more than half of all Gay Games participants register in the last few last months before the Opening Ceremony. Especially in times of economic crisis, when most people are not able to make long-term decisions, we are even more pleased with this overwhelming success!

‘The success is the result of the many public relations activities of the Games Cologne team.
‘We have been present at many sport meetings and LGBT events. In addition, two Cologne promotion teams traveled through the USA recently and presented Gay Games VIII in 20 American cities.’

Federation of Gay Games spokeswoman Kelly Stevens said: ‘We are delighted in the rapid increase in registrations. We all sing “Viva Colognia” to this news.’

She was also pleased with how well the games were being organised ahead of the July 31 start date.

Sporting groups can contact Lischke on (02) 8354 0068 or email Australia@games-cologne.de

Aja Styles