Moscow gay community organizes 'Open Olympics'

MOSCOW, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Organizers of so-called "Open Olympics" in Moscow -- intended to help demystify homosexuality through sport -- said a bomb threat this week will not deter them.

An anonymous bomb threat was called into the Moscow club where opening ceremonies will be conducted Wednesday evening. Organizer Konstantin Yablotskiy said the bomb threat was "nothing new in our community, unfortunately," and said he expected the ceremony to go on.

More than 200 people representing 11 countries and 20 Russian regions, are expected to compete in events including basketball, table tennis and skiing, with discussions about gay rights scheduled as well, ABC News reported.

Being gay is not a requirement for participation.

"The aim of these games is to send a positive message to our society, to our authorities, that we are normal people," Yablotskiy said.

U.S. Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis will compete in table tennis.

"By being here and supporting these games I hope I can shed a little light ... and share a part of my world of being a gay man with HIV, but also living a full and integrated life," Louganis said.

The closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday.