Games Cologne: Why did you get involved with the VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010 as an ambassador?
Yvonne de Bark: My question back to you: Why not? (laughs). Well… First of all, I play sports myself… And second of all, I don´t see a reason for NOT doing it. Just because I´m heterosexual; I want to set an example with my involvement. It has to be like this, because the Gay Games is an event not only for gay people, but for all people.
GC: How did you first hear about the Gay Games?
YdB: A friend of mine told me about the event and asked if I wanted to participate. I have a lot of friends in the industry and a lot of them are lesbian or gay. I never understood what the problem is, why there is so much discrimination etc. This is when I said: Of course, I´m in!
GC: What fascinates you about the VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010 and the Gay Games in general?
YdB: The size of the event. I´m fascinated that there will be more participants than in the Olympic Games. It´s interesting to see the ambition - people having fun, going for something. I love the togetherness and the participation.
GC: Will you participate in one of the athletic or cultural events?
YdB: Currently, I´m running. I´m not yet sure whether I want to do the half marathon. I know I won´t be in the top ten, but I will finish in any case. I hope there won´t be any other commitments like hosting the Gay Games etc. Anyway, I have reserved time for this event.
GC: Homosexuality is still a taboo issue when it comes to sports. Which kind of experiences did you make with this subject?
YdB: When I knew that I would be ambassador of the VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010, I asked around a little bit. I never thought that this is a problem. Thank God this subject has been discussed a lot in the media in recent months. There was somebody who said: “Gay people and football? That doesn´t work at all.” What I say to myself is: “What? Why not?” It is unacceptable to think that athletes are less intelligent just because of their sexual orientation. Why should this be a manly sport? A sport that only straight people are allowed to do? That I don´t understand. Sport is sport!
GC: What do you expect from the VIII. Gay Games? What are your wishes?
YdB: A lot of fun, a lot of joy! And acceptance. Once I tried to convince my friends to go to the Christopher Street Day and they said: “What should we go there? There are only weirdos!” It´s fun! There is nothing to it! But there is also the competition side of the event.
Athletes have trained for this and they want to show what they got. I like this! From the sporting point of view, I expect a lot. Showing one´s abilities can also contribute to acceptance.
GC: Do you have some final words or wishes for the participants, organizers, spectators and all the people involved in the VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010?
YdB: Good weather! This is really important. It would be a shame if it rained during the Games.
