(photo by josephp [flickr])
The Gay Games VII Opening Ceremony kicked off a week of competition in the Windy City on Saturday with Andy Bell, Margaret Cho, Frankie Knuckles, Jody Watley, Megan Mullally, Heather Small, Kate Clinton providing entertainment and a welcome from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Some criticized the ceremony for being long on speeches and short on entertainment.
One unscheduled participant made sure he got his kicks and ran across the field naked (more shots of that after the jump).
Triathletes prepare to enter Lake Michigan.
The first day of competition went smoothly, with few incidents and few protests, including little resistance at the Crystal Lake rowing competition. Earlier this year, some bigoted Crystal Lake residents caused a huge commotion by demanding that gays not be allowed to row in their lake.
Chicagoan Rob Scott assists his team in entering the water in Crystal Lake.
The Games continue through July 22nd.
Gay Games Kick Off in Chicago [chicago pride]
Games Lift Off with Warm Reception [chicago tribune]
Gay Games 2006 notebook [outsports]
Chicago Pride Galleries [updated daily]
More Flickr Photosets:
SFMoe, Reflexblue, sand groper, Looper312, I, Kellie,
Flipped Out, SFMoe, EPadin, Bird in the Hand.
A few more shots after the jump…
Mayor Daley addresses the crowd.
Greg Louganis was on hand to present the Tom Waddell award for outstanding service in athletics. Tom Waddell founded the Gay Games. He died of AIDS in 1987.
One man participated in the naked 100-yard dash.
