The annual LGBT aquatics championships will be drenching the state of Washington in 2013.
International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) is the organization that brings the world's LGBT aquatics clubs together, sharing information and knowledge as well as staging an annual championships for LGBT competitors in swimming, diving, open water, synchronized swimming, and water polo.
We take a look at plans for the 2013 event which will be held in the US city of Seattle.
History:
- This will be the 21st championship held since the original West Coast Gay Swim League Championship were held in San Diego in 1987.
- By 1990 (at Gay Games III held in Vancouver) the West Coast Gay Swim League had evolved into IGLA.
- While in its early years, IGLA was formed by the North American LGBT swim teams, the 'International' aspect of the organization quickly expanded to include LGBT aquatics clubs from all around the world.
- Seattle last hosted the IGLA Championships in 1992.
Event Date:
- 13-18 August 2013.
Event Location:
- Competition will take place at Seattle's Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center - home to the 1990 Goodwill Games, 1992 IGLA Championships, 2012 NCAA Swimming Championships and 2012 US Olympic Diving Trials.
- Open Water swimming events will be held in Lake Washington.
Participants:
- 800 competitors from the US, Canada, and around the world.
Social Events:
- Registration Reception
- Opening Party
- Gala Awards Dinner
- There is also the 'Pink Flamingo' event where each team presents a pool-side performance to demonstrate their creative flair.
Event Registration:
- Registration is now open and can be completed via the event website.
Event Organizers:
- IGLA 2013 is being organized by the Seattle Orca Swim Team - they've produced a video to show the world's LGBT swimmers what they can look forward to in Seattle.
Seattle - Key Facts:
- Largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the US.
- Population c.4m.
- Seattle has given birth to Jimi Hendrix, 'grunge' music, and Starbucks.
- Fun Fact: Seattle is further north than Toronto
Seattle - LGBT:
- Seattle has a thriving gay and lesbian community and proactively welcomes LGBT visitors to the city.
- There's an annual LGBT Film Festival.
- Local press such as Seattle Gay News and Seattle Gay Scene.
- And plenty of bars and clubs for a night out.