3^rd World Outgames 2013 in Antwerp

Introduction

Antwerp aims to create a high class multi-sports programme made to measure for LGBT participants, whether recreational or (semi-)professional. Being one of the only 22 Olympic cities in the world, Antwerp knows what it takes to host the Games. With the full support of local and regional authorities, close to 500.000 inhabitants and close proximity to Brussels and Ghent, Antwerp has the right “scale” to turn the 2013 World Outgames into a sports event to remember.

In addition the WOG Antwerp Team has gained a lot of experience and expertise by organizing the very successful EuroGames 2007, giving us a large advantage in organizing a large scale LGBT sports event.

Spirit

The spirit for the sports programme will be the original Olympic creed: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well”.

We are proud to give you already an idea of what you can expect during the Antwerp edition.

World Outgames Antwerp 2013 exclusives

• Opening Ceremony on Saturday, August 3rd

• Closing Ceremony on Sunday, August 11th

• OutCities Festival

• Rainbow Village “Love United” with lots of artists performing on stage

• LGBTQ-Exhibitions all over the city of Antwerp and the Flemish region

• Poetry Festival

• Literature Festival

• Movie Festival

• Musical Festival

• Choir Festival

• Boat trips on the river Scheldt

• Farewell Brunch

• Mega World Outgames Celebration Party

Antwerp: the city that never sleeps

Antwerp, with about 480.000 citizens, is the largest city of the Flanders Region of Belgium. The official language is Dutch, but French, English and German are widely understood and spoken. With around 170 different nationalities living in Antwerp, the city is the second most multicultural city in the world.

In 2005, Antwerp was voted by the New York Times as one of the Top ten most attractive cities in the world.

Even though the Antwerp nightlife continues until the early hours, those in need of rest are most welcome: the city of Antwerp counts about 4500 hotel rooms ranging from 1* to 5* accommodation.

In combination with these, there are 2 camping sites, 4 youth hostels and about 100 B&B’s.  

The WOGA 2013 team will secure hundreds of beds in the framework of hosted housing, giving participants and visitors the chance to experience local life ‘from within’.

Extra sleeping accommodation on the waves will be a practical addition: cruise ships can supply extra beds along the river bank, right in the historical heart of town.

The province of Antwerp has a total of 9950 rooms in all different categories. This means an overall capacity for 32.778 visitors in the City and Province of Antwerp.

As Brussels, Ghent and Hasselt are very close by, these cities’ rooms in the different categories can be added if necessary.

Antwerp: open-minded and innovative

Antwerp is known for its innovation in all aspects. From fashion to diamonds, from harbour to gastronomy.After the elections (2006), the new city council declared its dedication to the LGBT community.Governance article 322 states “Antwerp will do its utmost to attract the international LGBTQ community". 

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