Holly Dove meets the organiser trying to make the Auckland Asia Pacific Outgames happen.
A dedicated team of regular Asia Pacific Outgames attendees have bid for Auckland to host the games in 2016. Organiser Damien Strogen says the games would be a chance for Auckland to share kiwi culture with the world as Wellington did in 2011.
“We’re excited to show off Auckland to the Asia Pacific community. The games create a great sense of Pride.”
Ideally, as they will be hosted in February, coinciding with Auckland Pride 2016. Asia Pacific Outgames committee GLISA have accepted the bid and are visiting Auckland this month to examine the facilities and meet key people and groups involved.
Strogen wants to show them that it is an event our whole community will get behind.
“We want to get women and the trans community involved especially because they’re often not as visible [and] we need to get a larger youth voice.”
Strogen and his team want to create an ‘Incorporated Society’ to help make the Asia Pacific Outgames happen. They are looking for people with skills in marketing, sports, finance, community engagement, communication and human rights. Contact them at info@aucklandoutgames.com
Article | Holly Dove
