The organisers of the Gay Games VI sports and cultural festival in Sydney, Australia announced that a record 6,041 people have already registered for the 2002 event.

According to a press release, it is the highest number of people who registered more than 12 months in advance of any Gay Games ever recorded.

The organisers are also hopeful that the numbers will grow quickly as the early registration deadline of October 31, 2001, approaches.

Athletes and fans who register before the end October will get a US$30 discount on fees and are more likely to be guaranteed a place in their sport or event. From November, the standard registration period will last until July 31, 2002.

The Gay Games, which has been held every four years since 1982 will see the inclusion of new sports like sailing, touch rugby, netball and field hockey in next year?s event, which will be held from November 2 ? 9, 2002.

While the largest number of registered participants is from the US with 2288 participants, the largest Asian contingent is from Japan with 20 participants followed by 15 from Malaysia, 14 from the Philippines, 10 from China (including Hong Kong), 9 from Thailand and 8 from Singapore and a sprinkling from Indonesia, Korea and Taiwan.