The Village of Oak Park—which is hosting three Gay Games sports competitions—has issued a proclamation welcoming the 2006 Gay Games to the Chicagoland Area, according to a Games press release.
The proclamation notes the positive economic impact of the Gay Games and makes special emphasis on the role diversity plays in Oak Park. The Chicago suburb has been recognized as an LGBT haven for years. Among other things, the village voted lesbian Joanne Trapani as its president in 2001.
Oak Park will host the Gay Games badminton competition as well as all preliminary rounds in soccer. It will share tennis sites with Chicago’s lakefront and Evanston’s Northwestern University. Badminton, soccer and tennis will take place at Oak Park/River Forest High School athletic facilities.