In an effort to make up the deficit, and just in time for the holiday season, the organizers of the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago have released a feature-length DVD with more than two hours of coverage from the July sports & cultural festival. Coverage of the event includes the opening and closing ceremonies which are highlighted by performances by such icons as Margaret Cho, Erasure's Andy Bell, Cyndi Lauper, Megan Mullally, Heather Small, Kate Clinton, comedian Ant, members of the cast of Showtime's The L Word, Marlee Matlin, Pam Grier and Daniela Sea. The DVD also includes chapters of 30 of the competitions, which took place during the two week event.
There are also inspiring on-site interviews of athletes, families and fans of the games, including conversations with international athletes in Chicago on scholarship. The Crystal Lake residents at the controversial rowing competition are also interviewed, and athletes attending their 5th, 6th or 7th Gay Games lend some insight about this competition.
Live and recorded versions of "The Faces of Victory, the new Gay Games anthem written by Chicago rocker Dylan Rice and performed at Wrigley Field with Chuck Panozzo of Styx and other Chicago gay & lesbian rock stars are also among some of the notable features included on the disc.
There is a photo slide show that consists of over 400 of the best photos shot by 60 official Gay Games photographers and a tribute to the 400 courageous Gay Games sponsors from around the world.
The bonus features include a 4 minute video honoring the founder of the Gay Games movement, Tom Waddell, with commentary by Olympians Greg Louganis and Leigh-Ann Naidoo, former NFL players Esera Tuaolo, Dave Kopay, Roy Simmons, and a dozen other gay sports legends. There is a photo slide show that consists of over 400 of the best photos shot by 60 official Gay Games photographers and a tribute to the 400 courageous Gay Games sponsors from around the world.
The DVD is available for sale for $19.95 online at www.GayGamesChicago.org.
