From Bill Doyle, a sailor with Team Rhode Island (USA) comes this report of the only sport at the Gay Games to take place in another country.
Following the very successful sailing events at the 2002 Sidney Gay Games and the 2006 Chicago Gay Games, you can imagine the disappointment when the official schedule of events for Cologne 2010 did not include sailing. Incredible to hear since in both previous games, the allotted slots (for teams) sold out in mere hours, ranking sailing as one of the most highly sought after sports.
But, through the efforts of Federation Board members and some dedicated volunteers, Sailing was later added to the program and a small, but prestigious yacht club in the Netherlands stepped up to host us with open arms. We couldn't have been more excited to “be a part of it” after all. When registration began in September of 2008, we registered the very second it opened to assure us a spot.
With teams representing eight countries, we came into the small town of Roermond unsure what to expect. As we all know, the thought of 150+ gay men and women descending upon a small town, as well as a prestigious sailing club such as MAAS en ROER, can sometimes illicit bigotry, fear, and protests in many parts of the world. What we experienced instead was quite the opposite. Everyone we encountered from local merchants to the officers and the volunteers of the club went out of their way to make us feel welcome and happy to be here. I think I speak for all of the participants when I say that MAAS en ROER and Roermond will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Our week started out with a wonderful welcome at the club, followed by a Sailor’s party hosted in downtown Roermond, and was capped off with a tremendous medal ceremony where we were presented our awards by the town’s mayor and other local dignitaries. It was a very festive affair, with all of the traditional speeches ceremonies and even included playing of the winner's national anthem. They took this very seriously and were proud to be a part of it as well.
On behalf of all of the participants, I want to offer a special thanks to all of the volunteers, officers, and employees for all of your hard work and dedication in making our week one of the most enjoyable and well run regattas we've ever attended.
Following the very successful sailing events at the 2002 Sidney Gay Games and the 2006 Chicago Gay Games, you can imagine the disappointment when the official schedule of events for Cologne 2010 did not include sailing. Incredible to hear since in both previous games, the allotted slots (for teams) sold out in mere hours, ranking sailing as one of the most highly sought after sports.
But, through the efforts of Federation Board members and some dedicated volunteers, Sailing was later added to the program and a small, but prestigious yacht club in the Netherlands stepped up to host us with open arms. We couldn't have been more excited to “be a part of it” after all. When registration began in September of 2008, we registered the very second it opened to assure us a spot.
With teams representing eight countries, we came into the small town of Roermond unsure what to expect. As we all know, the thought of 150+ gay men and women descending upon a small town, as well as a prestigious sailing club such as MAAS en ROER, can sometimes illicit bigotry, fear, and protests in many parts of the world. What we experienced instead was quite the opposite. Everyone we encountered from local merchants to the officers and the volunteers of the club went out of their way to make us feel welcome and happy to be here. I think I speak for all of the participants when I say that MAAS en ROER and Roermond will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Our week started out with a wonderful welcome at the club, followed by a Sailor’s party hosted in downtown Roermond, and was capped off with a tremendous medal ceremony where we were presented our awards by the town’s mayor and other local dignitaries. It was a very festive affair, with all of the traditional speeches ceremonies and even included playing of the winner's national anthem. They took this very seriously and were proud to be a part of it as well.
On behalf of all of the participants, I want to offer a special thanks to all of the volunteers, officers, and employees for all of your hard work and dedication in making our week one of the most enjoyable and well run regattas we've ever attended.
Photos by Bill Doyle. Top photo is Super Sexy Sailors X of Team Hamburg. Middle photo is MAAS en ROER boat house. Bottom photo Kristen of SSX kissing Bill Doyle.
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