by Wes Heaps-
As you might know– Gay Games is happening this year in Cologne, Germany at the end of summer (31 July – 7 August). If you have never experienced Gay Games– it is a wonderful week of athletic competition, exciting events, and great friendship.  Teams and individuals from all walks of life and all sexual orientations come to support the values of inclusion, understanding, and excellence.

Don’t think you need to be on the level of Michael Phelps to go either!  No matter your athletic ability, you can go and compete.  So even if you’ve never swam in competition before or your trophy shelf is about to break, there’s sure to be a place for you at Gay Games.

If you are interested in going, there are a few things you will need to know.

Registration:
You must register for the Gay Games at: www.gaygamescologne.com
Cost:  Approximately $285 USD (converted from Euros)
Water polo players need to get a code from Wes Heaps to register with the QUAC team.
Note: You may get a call from your credit card company when you register because the charge is going through overseas.

Flights/Travel:
Current cost:  Salt Lake City to Cologne, Germany: Approximately $1600 USD

You will need to make your own arrangements for your flight to Europe.  I suggest working in small groups so you can arrive and depart together.
The cheapest way I’ve found so far to get to Cologne is to actually fly into Dusseldorf, Germany and take the train to Cologne.  Doing this can save you about $200 to $300 from flying directly.  Rail tickets can be purchased there– or pre-purchased from www.raileurope.com about 2 months in advance.

Note:  You will get a metro pass for the Cologne subways/trams when you pick up your registration packet.  Be prepared to pay for metro fees until you pick up your packet.

Hotels/Hostels:
Personally, I love staying in hostels while in Europe.  I’ve already booked a private four person room at a hostel in downtown Cologne.  It is walking distance to a tram stop, about 4 main stops from the main Gay Games venues, and walking distance to one of the main gay centers of Cologne.  It is called MEININGER Cologne City Center.  You can book private rooms for yourself, rooms shared with up to 6 of your friends, or go for dormitory-style type accommodations.  Prices range from $28 to $75 a night, depending on your choice.  Private rooms have a shower, toilet, and wash basin, as well as single beds.  Hostels fill up fast, so I recommend reserving a room or space now if you want to stay at this hostel.  You can book through www.hostels.com

Near this hostel is a hotel called Ibis Koln Centrum.  They feature rooms with double beds for about $75 a night.  It is walking distance to the above mentioned hostel and tram stop.  You can book rooms there by going to www.accorhotels.com (Trick:  Once it shows you the list of hotels in Cologne, arrange this list from cheapest to most expensive to see the particular hotel I’m talking about.)

You can also book numerous hotels through the Gay Games site.  It is great for finding hotels in Cologne, but not so great for indicating where they are in relation to venues or tram/metro stops.  Hotels range from $70 to $225 a night through the Gay Games interface.

Language:
Many Germans speak a little English and some are quite fluent in it.  You will only occasionally run into situations where speaking German is absolutely necessary.  However, most Germans really appreciate it if you attempt to speak German to them first.  (Even if it only to say that you don’t speak any German!)  I suggest learning a few phrases or having a little phrase book along.  A little good will in attempting to speak German will go a long way during your stay!

Please fill out the Gay Games form and give to either Wes Heaps or Charlie Ward if you are thinking about going to Gay Games.  It will help the QUAC Board keep track and plan for those of you who want to go– and also allow us to send you special emails and texts to help you along in your journey to the Gay Games!

I hope to see you all there in Germany!