Statement from Federation of Gay Games concerning attacks on LGBT athletes in Copenhagen
“We condemn the violent attacks against LGBT athletes and spectators during the OutGames taking place this week in Copenhagen, Denmark. This week we are all Copenhageners and we stand in solidarity with OutGames organizers and the very gay-friendly people of Copenhagen against this kind of violence.
Our thoughts are with the runner injured by the explosive devices at the Track Stadium today and the people who were attacked on Sunday. We are pleased to hear that all injuries have been minor and that runner will still likely be able to compete. We extend our full support to all the participants at the OutGames.
Copenhagen has a reputation as one of the most LGBT friendly places on earth. Even there, we are reminded that our community still faces those that would deny us our basic human rights, even the freedom to run in a track meet in safety. But we will not be discouraged; rather, we will run, swim, jump, throw, grapple, volley and perform at events like the Gay Games and OutGames, celebrating our right to love who we want.”
Media coverage of the two incidents:
http://ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=4091
http://www.cphpost.dk/news/crime/155-crime/46396-gay-attack-isolated-incident.html
http://www.outandaboutnewspaper.com/article/3605
http://politiken.dk/newsinenglish/article759119.ece
About The Federation of Gay Games:
The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best”™. The Gay Games were conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and were first held in San Francisco in 1982.
#########
http://www.cphpost.dk/news/crime/155-crime/46396-gay-attack-isolated-incident.html
http://www.outandaboutnewspaper.com/article/3605
http://politiken.dk/newsinenglish/article759119.ece
About The Federation of Gay Games:
The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best”™. The Gay Games were conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and were first held in San Francisco in 1982.
#########
1 comment:
Seattle Frontrunners Statement regarding the Outgames track incident:
On Tuesday July 28th while preparing to run the 4 X 200 relay event a member of Seattle Frontrunner was injured by an explosive device that was thrown from behind a wall onto the track exploding on impact. The member was taken to an area hospital with injuries to his right hand and after receiving stitches was subsequently released. He plans on rejoining his team on the track on Wednesday July 29th
Seattle Frontrunners appreciates the support of the Outgames leadership after the event and the assurance that additional police will be present at the Track and Field events for the duration of the games.
Even in a perceived “safe city” such as Copenhagen an incident such as this can occur and only increases the importance of being out and proud but also being vigilant for those who want to hurt us. The forty-member team from Seattle Frontrunner will continue to participate in all events as planned and will not let the incident intimidate us into not running. The team feels strongly that running is the best way to overcome and triumph over those who planned and carried out this hate crime.
Thanks
Jon Nicholson
Seattle Frontrunners
President
Post a Comment