Gay Games blasts off

Direct from a smash hit Broadway season, show business icon Bea Arthur will make her long-overdue Australian debut at the 2002 Gay Games.

The star of Maude, Mame and The Golden Girls, Arthur will recall the highlights of her career with stories and songs.

Sydney 2002 will also be blasting off ticket sales next Wednesday 29 May with a free community dance party for around 2,000 people at City Live at Fox Studios. This party will celebrate the sale of tickets for some premier sports, key cultural events and the opening and closing Gay Games ceremonies.

Hosted by Andrew Super Mercado from Channel V, with music by Kate Monroe, Blast Off! is designed to get everyone roused with Sydney 2002 fever.

Partygoers will receive complimentary drinks courtesy of Tooheys, have the chance to win some fantastic prizes and hear from director of ceremonies Ignatius Jones about plans for the spectacular ceremonies on 2 and 9 November, said Peter Bailey, Sydney 2002 co-chair.

The Sydney 2002 ticket brochure will also be distributed for the first time at Blast Off! These fold-out posters feature images of Sydney 2002 participants. As we approach the 31 July cut-off date for registrations, said Bailey, it’s imperative that Sydneysiders who plan on participating get online and register or they’ll be left in the stands watching rather than being on the pitch and competing.

Sydney 2002 has also announced that Dattatech has come on board as a major sponsor. Dattatech is a wholly Australian-owned information technology company. According to Bailey, Datta-tech will provide IT technological assistance, plus office and network support for the organisation to the tune of $250,000.

 

Blast Off! is free at City Live at Fox Studios on Wednesday 29 May from 8pm till late. For information about Sydney 2002, call 9266 4020 or go to www.sydney2002.org.au.