Playful, vibrant, athletic, uniquely “Chicago” and just plain “cool.” These are just a few of the words being used to describe the new logo for Gay Games VII, in Chicago. For the first time ever, a Gay Games logo incorporates sports figures into its design, breaking with a tradition of torches, cityscapes and GLBT symbols. In another first for the Gay Games, the two figures will sport names that will be selected after a worldwide naming contest that takes place throughout the month of May.

“Chicago’s wonderful new logo is another step forward for the Gay Games VII organizers,” said Kathleen Webster, Federation of Gay Games co-president, from her home outside Philadelphia. “No previous host city’s design has incorporated people, and active people at that, and that of course is what the Gay Games is all about.”

“This vibrant new logo for Gay Games VII builds on the heritage of Gay Games I to VI,” said London-based Sion O’Connor, co-chair of the Federation of Gay Games’ Communications Committee. “It depicts the dynamic spirit of the Gay Games and articulates the diversity of gender, race and sport that is such a key element of the Games. I look forward to seeing Chicago swathed in the logo in July 2006.”

The new Gay Games VII logo was created by Chicago artist David Lee Csicsko. Csicsko has rapidly gained a significant following for his highly colorful and stylized representations of the human form. Many Chicagoans will recognize his work from murals that appear at the Belmont station on the Chicago subway “Red Line” in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, more commonly known as the city’s gay neighborhood, “Boystown.” He is also the creator of a series of posters for Northalsted Market Days, a 300,000-person street festival that takes place in Lakeview each August. His artwork appears in print and other media throughout the Midwest and he has received widespread critical acclaim from the art world. Csicsko has signed on as a consultant for Gay Games VII and will be developing a series of sports and culture-specific icons, posters and designs for collectibles and wearable items for the 2006 Sports and Cultural Festival.

“Csicsko’s design was selected from dozens of excellent submissions because it beautifully articulated the themes of the Gay Games and the sentiments of the Chicago host committee,” said Brenda Schumacher, marketing consultant to Chicago Games, Inc. “This new logo has a visual eloquence that speaks of motion, energy, artistry, friendship and exuberance that is at the heart of the Gay Games. The open hands are welcoming, athletic and celebratory. David Csicsko’s design fittingly represents Chicago’s love of public art and civic beauty.”

As it unveiled the logo, Chicago also announced a naming contest for the figures.

“For the next 27 months, the two figures in our logo are going to play an integral role in the promotion of the Gay Games VII brand,” said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games VII Marketing Communications Committee Chair. “We’re already beginning to think of them as part of the Gay Games family, and as with any other family member, they deserve names. The Gay Games belong to the entire world, and so today we invite friends and supporters worldwide to help us name these new family members.”

Contest entries will be accepted through Friday, May 21, and the names will be announced May 28. Entry rules are available online. Visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com and click on this story for a link to the Chicago Gay Games website for more information. The winner will receive a prize package of logo merchandise, including wearable and souvenir items, plus a pair of tickets to the opening ceremonies at Gay Games VII on Saturday, July 15, 2006.

- Press release