Games Cologne/FGG scholarship reception

The morning before opening ceremony saw a reception for Games Cologne and Federation of Gay Games scholarship beneficiaries. Among the hundreds of athletes supported, Games Cologne was in charge of those from Eastern Europe, while the FGG handled the rest of the world, with a focus on the Chosen FEW soccer club from Soweto, whose journey to Cologne was made possible by a generous gift from Dick Uyvari in honor of his late partner Joe LaPat.

FGG Ambassador Leigh Ann Naidoo hosted the meeting, which included a speech from Deputy Mayor Angela Spizig, and a brief message of appreciation from GLISA co-presidents Wessel Van Kampen and Julia Applegate, who presented a plaque in honor of the occasion to the co-presidents of Games Cologne and of the FGG. Games Cologne head of scholarships Alen Popovic and his FGG counterpart Paul Oostenbrug welcomed participants, offered advice on the week to come, and explained to all present the challenges of funding and operating this program.

Also present were FGG Ambassadors Michelle Ferris, John Amaechi and David Kopay, along with guest Matthew Mitcham.

The meeting concluded with participants sharing stories of their journey to Cologne, including the reading of a rousing poem by a member of the Chosen FEW (we're trying to get the text for you), all to the sound of vuvuzelas (ahem).