Flag bearers marked the opening of the 2011 North American Outgames Monday with a procession across the summit of Grouse Mountain.
The banners were carried through the resort to celebrate the first time the four-year-old sporting event, expected to attract as many as 2,000 athletes and supporters, has come to British Columbia.
Part athletic competition and part political movement, the celebration, which coincides with Pride Week, is designed to bolster human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals, according to organizers.
Although based in Vancouver, competitions are scheduled to take place all over the Lower Mainland including North Vancouver, which is playing host to a six-kilometre race up the Grouse Grind to the mountains peak called the Vertical Challenge.
The other events include bowling, swimming, softball and poker, with an emphasis on participation rather than competition.
There is an opportunity for every person to become a supporter of the 2011 games, said Outgames chairman John Boychuk.
People all over the Lower Mainland will feel the presence of the games, he promised.
The games will also include a three-day human rights conference focusing on issues like online bullying faced by gay youth, same-sex marriage initiatives, respect in the workplace and discrimination in sport.
Asked if the recent Stanley Cup riots gave him pause about holding the event in Vancouver, Boychuk replied: Absolutely not.
He noted the Vancouver Pride Parade, which is scheduled to coincide with the closing ceremonies of the Outgames, has been a peaceful fixture in the city for more than 30 years.
The Outgames are distinguished by their work with community organizations, according to Boychuk, who said the Queer History Project and the Vancouver Dyke March are just a few of the many groups involved with the games.
Asked about his top priority for the week, Boychuk said: Making sure everybody has a good time.
The games wrap up July 31.
