25 February 2011

The 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames will now include several initiatives for raising money to help those affected by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Christchurch who have suffered terrible loss,” said Outgames co-chair David Hindley. “We will be giving participants and supporters of the Outgames the opportunity of helping those badly hit by the quake.”

In response to a number of requests from around the world, organisers confirm that the Outgames will still be going ahead. The Outgames are being held in Wellington, on New Zealand’s North Island, while the earthquake hit Christchurch, in the country’s South Island. The aftershocks that are continuing in Christchurch are not felt in Wellington.

The earthquake has had a very personal effect on a number of Outgames volunteers. One volunteer working on the human rights conference had a friend who was killed in the earthquake. Another volunteer who had moved up to Wellington still owned a house in Christchurch, and that home has been severely damaged.

Outgames organisers have received messages of concern, goodwill and support from around the world following the earthquake, and are very appreciative.

The 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames will be held March 12-19, in Wellington, New Zealand. Registrations for the sports competitions close 26 February.

ENDS

© Scoop Media