7th Gay Games open in Chicago

CHICAGO, July 15 (UPI) -- Mayor Richard M. Daley welcomed some 12,000 athletes and tens of thousands of spectators to Chicago Saturday night at opening ceremonies for Gay Games VII.

More than 30,000 people attended opening ceremonies at Soldier Field to see comedian Margaret Cho, actress Megan Mullally, singer Jody Watley, DJ Frankie Knuckles, 400 dancers and a 350-member chorus.

Participants from 70 countries will compete in more than 40 sports at six venues in the city and suburbs through July 22, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Officials were concerned how an oppressive summer heat wave -- with daytime temperatures forecast near 100 -- would affect outdoor events like track and field, soccer, mountain biking and beach volleyball.

Singer Cyndi Lauper, the group Betty and singer Ari Gold were scheduled to perform at closing ceremonies at Wrigley Field.