Alpenglow Productions/GayWhistler
Alpenglow Productions/GayWhistler Announcement
Press Release
Mr. Gay Ireland is Crowned Mr. Gay World 2009 at WinterPRIDE

Ireland takes Mr. Gay World Title

Whistler, B.C. (Feb.10/09) - Hunky Dubliner Max Mr. Gay World 2009 Max KrzyzanowskiKrzyzanowski (37) has been crowned Mr. Gay World 2009 at the first ever Mr. Gay World contest, in Whistler, Canada. Max, who won the Mr. Gay Ireland title in Dublin in October, beat 19 contestants from around the globe to take the coveted role.

Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Tewksbury hosted this year's extravaganza of showbiz, stars and Speedos in a glitzy ceremony high in the Canadian
mountains.

After a busy weeklong schedule that included fashion shows, photo shoots, interviews and even a wilderness survival course; Mr. Gay World President Eric Butter named Max the winner. Max works as a security guard and martial arts coach in Dublin.

"Max is a classic Irish lad, a self made man, very comfortable in his own skin, that anyone would love to have as a best mate, life partner, son, brother or as a father. When in his presence you experience such human warmth, maturity and sense understanding," says Eric Butter, president of Mr. Gay World.

"Mr. Gay World is an extraordinary opportunity to bring together the entire gay community across the world. It is easy to forget that being gay is still punishable by death in many countries. This is a unique opportunity for me to create awareness of gay issues on a worldwide scale," said the new Mr. Gay World, Max Krzyzanowski.

"I am deeply honored to win for Ireland and aware of the commitment and responsibilities that follow. My first message is to young people - it is time to stop being afraid. We are our own judges. If you fear the judgment of others you will never reach your true potential."

Max, of Polish descent, was the oldest contestant in this year's competition, which took place in Whistler, the official mountain host of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The winner from a total of 1500 contestants worldwide, Max said that he was "elated, shocked but proud to represent gay Ireland on such a stage".

Also speaking at the ceremony was Executive Producer of Mr. Gay Ireland Brian Merriman, who said, "Max epitomizes the integrity and intelligence required for this leading role. His compassion and leadership attributes are an example of the many qualities gay people contribute to a decent pluralist, modern society".

As Mr. Gay World, Max will travel the globe in 2009 as a goodwill ambassador for the gay community to promote gay rights and equality for all gay citizens of the world especially the LGBT communities who still endure oppression, violence and all forms of homophobia.

Mr. Gay Paraguay became 1st runner-up for the competition, Mexico 2nd, Australia 3rd, New Zealand 4th and Canada 5th runner up. In addition Argentina, Austria, Colombia and South Africa made it to the Top 10.

Mr. Gay Philippines insured Asia was well represented by taking the Best Costume Award and Manhunt Mr. Popular Award.

Mr. Gay Argentina took GayWhistler Mr. Photogenic Award; Mr. Gay Colombia was supported by the fellow delegates with the Whistler Question Mr. Congeniality, while Mr. Gay Paraguay won Priape Mr. Swimwear. Mr. Gay Australia received the Coast Whistler Mountain Guides Mr. Leadership Award for his efforts at the various team challenges.
 
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Media Tools

 
For more information, please contact tore.aasheim@mrgayworld.org

Read more: www.mrgayworld.org (All photos on webpage can be used free of charge as long as website or photographer is credited.

Press who need high resolution images; please send your requests to tore.aasheim@mrgayworld.org

Images also available for download at WPNN.ORG search "Winter Pride" or "Mr. Gay World"

 
Media can go to whistler.com/media for Whistler facts, media releases, story starters, and access to images and b-roll.

High Resolutions images available upon request.

About Mr. Gay World

Mission statement
The primary purpose of the Mr. Gay World (MGW) is to identify leaders who will take responsibility of being a spokesperson not only in his own community but on a global stage speaking out for equal and human rights.  MGW is a positive role model and will work on humanizing being gay in the media both queer and mainstream.
 
Competition
The Mr. Gay World Competition is a 4-day, indoor/outdoor series of events to help our judges identify a strong spokesman or Ambassador to tell the world about our mission.  The Competition includes athletic tests and extensive interviews with our panel of judges.  Judging points are based on a diverse set of criteria including qualities in charisma, leadership, personality, appearance and communication.
 
Organization
The Mr. Gay World competition is based on an open and transparent cooperation between producers worldwide.  Regional producers are responsible for selecting which delegates will represent their region as the best possible spokesperson for local culture, ideas and equal and human right challenges.
All the regional producers work in collaboration with the Executive Committee and sit on the Board of Directors of Mr. Gay World with specific portfolios of responsibility therefore ensuring a truly global reach.
 
About Alpenglow Productions/GayWhistler
GayWhistler is a year-round promoter of Whistler to the gay and lesbian community, and promotes and produces the annual WinterPRIDE event. GayWhistler is a subsidiary of Alpenglow Production Corporation, a gay and lesbian travel and event company that creates gay-welcoming destinations and events at locations across North America.
Quick Links
Alpenglow Productions/GayWhistler
Dean Nelson
CEO
T. 604.288.7218
E. dean@gaywhistler.com
Mr. Gay World
Tore Aashiem
World Media Relations
tore.aasheim@mrgayworld.org
GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE Sponsors:
WinterPRIDE 2009 Sponsor Bar