Montreal, Quebec (AP) — Representatives of GLBT sports and athletic groups from around the world met in Montreal this past weekend, taking the first step toward forming a new international gay sports organization.

Billed as a “think tank” of GLBT sporting leaders, the 20 representatives from the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia were invited by Montreal 2006, the group that was to have been the host for the Gay Games in two years but pulled out in a disagreement with the Federation over money and control.

Montreal will hold its own GLBT games in 2006. The Federation is expected to select either Chicago or Los Angeles as the new official Gay Games site, with the goal of still putting on the event in 2006.

Following its split with the Federation, Montreal 2006 said representatives of teams in cities around the world approached them about creating a new and broader sports body.

A statement issued at the end of the weekend meetings in Montreal said the group agreed there is a need for a new international organization.

“We recognize the evolution that has occurred in the lesbian and gay sporting movement,” the statement said.

The delegates said there is a need for a governing body for all GLBT sports and a body to sanction events as well as the international games, which would be held every four years.

It would develop a worldwide events calendar of continuous sports opportunities for participants and provide help and mentoring to GLBT athletes and teams.

The statement went on to address concerns put forward by the Federation about the financial viability of the games, saying, “We will work to build this association on a business model that is financially sustainable, in order to create legacy and enhance capacity for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered sporting communities worldwide.”

Three working groups were formed: governance, marketing/financing and building sport.

Organizers hope to have the framework for a new organization ready in the next month and then in the spring present the idea to “a much wider assembly of representatives of the GLBT sports organizations for input and consultation.”

The group said that they were not attempting to destroy the FGG, but felt GLBT sports are in need of an international body that encompasses a broader scope than just the Games.