Gay Olympian comes out for WinterPRIDE

Air New Zealand and GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE hosted New Zealand Olympian Blake Skjellerup as part of Canada’s Vancouver Pride celebrations at the weekend.

Skjellerup competed in the 2010 Olympics in short track speed skating, and is the first athlete from the 2010 Games to come out.

Skjellerup was there to draw attention to GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE ski week next year, which will run from January 30-February 6, and to give free cuddles at the Air New Zealand booth to promote their new Skycouch, also known as the ‘cuddle class’. Cuddlers also had the chance to enter to win two return economy tickets to Mardi Gras in Sydney next year.

“Who could pass up a free cuddle with Blake Skjellerup?” Air New Zealand Americas vice president Roger Poulton said.

“Air New Zealand celebrates people from all walks of life, reflecting our country’s diversity-embracing nature. Returning for our fourth year, we are proud to be involved again in this year’s Pride.”

Skjellerup has been a competitor in the Beijing, Nagano and Marquetter world cups as well as his place in this year’s Winter Olympics. He also holds the New Zealand record in the 500m, 1000m and 1500-metres in his event. The

Christchurch-born athlete spent 18 months in Calgary in the lead-up to competition earlier this year.

WinterPRIDE celebrated its 18th anniversary this year with a gay ski week that fell just after the Winter Olympics. In 2011, the event will include pool and mountain top parties, lesbian-targeted events, a Bear party, snowball dance and comedy performances among its many offerings.

info: For more information on gay and lesbian ski week at Whistler, visit www.gaywhistler.com