With their split from the Federation of Gay Games, Montreal 2006, the organizing committee that was planning the games, is now looking to establish a new international gay sports organization in addition to putting on their already scheduled event.

“There are already numerous events for the GLBT sports community on the global agenda, including the fiscally responsible EuroGames, which hosts as many as 5,000 athletes,” the Montreal 2006 organizing committee said in an open letter. “Similarly, the traditional sports world has multiple large sports events to choose from every four year cycle.”

Montréal 2006 is moving forward with Rendez-Vous Montréal 2006 — A Gay and Lesbian Sport and Cultural Festival will take place in Montréal from 29 July — 5 August 2006.

With $1.5 million invested in delivering a sports and culture festival, and a professional staff with devoted volunteers it would be difficult for Montreal 2006 to call the event off. It could also create a conflict if the Federation of Gay Games does indeed hold a competing sporting event in 2006.

“What would be divisive would be to put an event on at the same time as Montréal 2006, but that will be a decision the FGG must make,” organizers said.

The Federation is currently accepting bids for a possible 2006 event, but no final decision has been made.

There will be 31 sports taking place at Rendez-Vous Montréal 2006 in some of the best facilities available, including many Olympic installations. Montréal 2006 also has the complete support at all three levels of government, city, province and federal. Canadian National broadcaster, SRC, will also be the first television network to carry full coverage of the events.

To further establish a new international gay sports organization, In January 2004, Montréal 2006 will be bringing together leaders from the global GLBT sports community to address the issue. Montréal 2006 has stated it’s commitment to lead the creation of an international governing body that is democratic, representative, and dynamic that provides for the needs of the people it represents, the GLBT athletes and cultural participants of the world.