The Federation of Gay Games announced that Elton John has become a Gay Games ambassador.

“I am thrilled to be involved with the Gay Games,” John said. “For more than two decades the Gay Games have turned a well-deserved spotlight on athletic and cultural performances by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and their friends from around the world.”

The Gay Games ambassadors are an international group of prominent individuals supporting the goals and principles of the quadrennial Gay Games. First held in 1982, Gay Games VII takes place in Chicago July 15-22.

Music has always been at the center of the Gay Games, from band and choral events to the opening and closing ceremonies, with numerous pop, classical, jazz, R&B, country and other styles performed throughout the Gay Games week.

“Thousands of musicians have participated in the cultural festivals of the Gay Games,” John said. “I’m proud of them and what they have accomplished at the games and in their home communities. Along with the athletic participants, they challenge the stereotypes from which oppression grows and consequently bring the world closer together.”

John’s career has spanned more than 35 years as one of the world’s most successful touring artists and one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. He has had more than 100 U.S. Hot 100 chart singles; 12 multi-platinum, 23 platinum and 33 gold U.S. albums; and 29 consecutive U.K. Top 40 hits, earning 35 gold and 25 platinum albums.

John has received multiple Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Legend Award. He collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice to create the soundtrack to the Walt Disney Pictures blockbuster The Lion King, for which “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” won an Academy Award. Recently, John was recognized in Los Angeles for his contribution to music and humanitarian efforts by the Society of Singers, which presented him their prestigious annual ELLA award.

In the last 15 years, John has become a noted humanitarian activist, particularly for starting the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. He has worked on behalf of programs for AIDS prevention, for the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals, and for providing services to people living with or at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

“The Gay Games also have always focused attention on matters of HIV and AIDS, and they continue to do so through events such as the International Rainbow Run,” said John. “Many people living with HIV and AIDS have been full participants [in the Gay Games], and some have even set world records. It’s a wonderful event that encourages fitness and personal best for people of all ages and abilities.”

Roberto Mantaci, co-president of the Federation of Gay Games, said he is honored John accepted the invitation to be an ambassador.

“For many years, he has been an ‘ambassador’ for the entire LGBT community, particularly through his charitable work, and his contribution has been immense,” Mantaci said. “We look forward to working with him to spread the word to more people in the world about the Gay Games. It is also no understatement to say that Sir Elton maintains a performing schedule requiring fitness and endurance that should inspire anyone now in training for next year’s events in Chicago.”

The Gay Games Ambassadors program was started prior to the 2002 Gay Games VI, which took place in Sydney. Charter members were actor Judith Light, Olympic gold medal swimmer Bruce Hayes, former U.S. Ambassador James Hormel and photographer Tom Bianchi.

In addition to John, the Gay Games Ambassadors now include: cycling champions and Olympic medalists Petra Rössner and Judith Arndt; former U.S. professional football players Dave Kopay and Esera Tuaolo; tennis legend Billie Jean King; rock star Melissa Etheridge; actor/director Amanda Bearse; power lifter Chris Morgan; former professional baseball player Billy Bean; champion figure skater Rudy Galindo; Olympic trampoline champion Ji Wallace; and Leigh-Ann Naidoo, a South African Olympic beach volleyball player.

In 1992, horrified and angered at the magnitude of HIV/AIDS and at how little was being done to help those affected by the virus, Elton John set up his own Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). John is chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which provides support services for men, women, young adults, children, infants, minorities and families living with or at risk from HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has given out more than $62 million in funding for HIV/AIDS projects in 55 countries across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, South America and North America.

For information about the Federation of Gay Games, visit www.gaygames.org. For information about Gay Games VII in Chicago in 2006, including details on how to register, visit www.gaygameschicago.org.