Our guide to the sports of the Vancouver Outgames

Ever wonder what sports are played at the Outgames?  While each host city might be slightly different, here is our guide to the sports that are set to be played at the Vancouver 2011 North America Outgames in July.

Here is a run-down of sports currently scheduled for the Vancouver North America Outgames. This list of sports currently on offer during the Vancouver North America Outgames is valid as of the end of April.  We have already seen the cancellation of figure skating and water polo so be sure to check the Outgames website for the most up-to-date information.

Walk/Run

Hosted by the Vancouver Frontrunners Club, the 7th Annual Pride Run & Walk becomes this 10K run and 4K walk during the Outgames.  As in previous years, this run/walk event will continue to be a fundraiser for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation.  With a 200-participant limit you’ll want to register early for this one.

Dragon Boating

The Outgames organizers are making this one easy for those that have never tried dragon boat racing but have always wanted to do it by providing a lesson in preparation for the 200 metre races in Vancouver’s False Creek.  Each boat holds ten paddlers so you can put your own team together or if you are an individual or don’t have enough paddlers, organizers will even arrange to help fill your boat.

Poker

While definitely not your typical sport, the Outgames is anything but typical.  A lesson will be provided by casino staff prior to the tournament and with a potential prize pool of $22,000 this is sure to be one of the more lucrative 'sports' at these games.

Soccer

We're told that teams from San Francisco, Long Beach, Seattle, and New York have already signed up with athletes playing for the International Gay & Lesbian Football Association's (IGLFA) North America Cup.

Ten Pin Bowling

Offering both a league and social tournament, ten pin bowling runs for four days during the games for singles, doubles and teams.

Badminton

The Roundhouse Community Centre is the venue for badminton with three divisions in five events. With athletes from Vancouver, Montreal, Southern Alberta, California and Australia already registered, the Outgames organizers anticipate this will be a sell-out.

Swimming

Swimmers from Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto are already setting this up as a battle of the Canadians.  Divisions are determined by age group.

Softball

Taking place at Softball City in Surrey, the tournament will include divisions for recreational and competitive players, plus a recreational women's division. Join as an individual or a team (individuals will be placed on a team of a similar skill level).

Dance Sport

Country & Western, cha cha, swing, line dancing, waltz, and tango are some of the events organized during the two-day Vancouver Queer Dance Classic during the Outgames.

Volleyball

Teams from Toronto and Houston are already getting ready for a three day volleyball tournament that will take place at the Harry Jerome Sports Centre in Burnaby.  This event marks the beginning of the Volleyball Cup, which will follow future GLISA Outgames events.

Tennis

The Vancouver International Pride (VIP) tennis tournament has taken on an international flavour as players from Australia, Canada, Germany and USA have already registered to play in this six day tournament. Singles, doubles and mixed events are offered at a variety of levels.

Alpine Marathon and Half-Marathon

Runners from New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles are picking up their training as they prepare for the alpine marathon and half marathon taking place in Whistler.

Track & Field

Competitors from Edmonton, New York, Houston, Indiana, North Carolina, London, and Vancouver have set their eyes on a medal winning performance in track and field in everything from hurdles to javelin.  The track and field events take place at Minoru Park in Richmond.

Golf

The Outgames golf tournament will take place at the Langara Golf Course in Vancouver on July 25 and 27. This par 71 course will appeal to players of all levels.

EcoChallenge

Offering two skill levels the EcoChallenge takes place in Whistler on July 25 and 27.

Hockey

In July?  Absolutely since the games will be held at Burnaby 8 Rinks.

Mountain Biking

Taking place in the Lost Lake Parks area of Whistler, the mountain biking competition is open to both novice and expert riders.  Ten and twenty kilometre courses will be open to a variety of divisions.

North America Outgames
25 - 31 July 2011

Visit http://www.vancouver2011outgames.com for more information.