Midsumma

The 1st Asia Pacific Outgames was held in Melbourne in 2008 with the theme: "Play with your neighbours"! This was a multi-sport tournament, a human rights conference and a cultural festival embracing the Asia Pacific's gay and lesbian community and their friends. 

The Outgames took place from 30 January – 3 February 2008, during the 2008 Midsumma Festival, under licence from GLISA Asia Pacific (Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association). 

Sport tournaments at the 1st Asia Pacific Outgames included: Badminton, Dancesport, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Rowing, Run, Squash, Swimming, Ten Pin Bowling, Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo.

The 1st Asia Pacific Outgames also featured Rainbow Conversations, a two-day GLBTI human rights conference featuring the most remarkable and diverse group of activists, academics and community leaders ever gathered in Melbourne.

Key Events 

• Outgames Rainbow Conversations Human Rights Conference: ran from Wednesday 30 Jan to Thursday 31 Jan. The Melbourne Declaration - Outgames Human Rights Conference Statement was an important outcome from that conference.
  
  
• Outgames Opening Ceremony: The Outgames were officially opened by the Governor of Victoria at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday 31 Jan. See Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Town Hall for details.
  
  
• Outgames Closing Ceremony: was held in conjunction with Pride March in Fitzroy St, St Kilda on Sunday 3 Feb. The 5 km foot race finalists arrived in Fitzroy St from 3 pm, followed by the 2008 Pride March and Outgames closing celebration and party.   

Further information: www.melbourneoutgames.org and www.pridemarch.com.au