Come on out: games gets its anthem

While the Olympics might have John Williams' "Summon the Heroes" and Spyros Samaras' "Olympic Theme", Vancouver's North America Outgames now has its own anthem: "Come On Out" from the award-winning duo Sugarbeach.

Written specifically for the Vancouver North America Outgames, the pop-rock single by Vancouver lesbians Marlee Walchuk & Tully Callender, represents what Games organizers say is the spirit of the Outgames.

"Vancouver 2011 Outgames are ecstatic about the tune that Sugarbeach has created for the Games.  We are honoured that they are part of this very special event," said Barb Snelgrove, communications director for the Vancouver Outgames.

In just four years, the dance/pop duo Sugarbeach have released two albums and have been nominated for nine and won three U.S. Pride in Arts awards including Favourite Group and Pride Song of the Year. The duo also received an Outmusic nomination for Outstanding International Song of the Year from the Outmusic Awards in New York and their 2010 gay anthem, “Living Out Proud” won song of the year.

“We wanted to write a song that would capture the energy, spirit and importance of being an active participator in the Vancouver Outgames and Human Rights Conference and in one’s own life,” said Walchuk.

The single is available on iTunes.

Vancouver North America Outgames
25 - 31 July 2011

Along with 18 different sports scheduled to be included during the Outgames, the Vancouver games will include a number of cultural activities and a human rights conference.  Visit http://www.vancouver2011outgames.com for more information.