A message to and from the Pullman Hotel

We have mentioned before the great reception received by Gay Games participants, board members of the FGG, and delegates to our Annual General Assembly from the staff of our host hotel, the Pullman on Helenenstrasse.

Among the people we would like to thank is Esther van Meer, a manager at the hotel. Ms. Van Meer was our main contact, and was incredibly patient in sometimes trying circumstances, with the loss of several packages sent to the hotel, the management of access to our storage and meeting room, etc. Many thanks to her, seen here saying goodbye to co-president Emy Ritt.

Another member of staff, whose name we are not publishing, wrote this moving message to Emy:

Dear Ms. Ritt,

Now some days after the Gay Games Cologne 2010 have left unforgettable moments, I would like to thank you once again. We met shortly at the Pullman Cologne. There I had the opportunity to thank you for the wonderful speech at the opening ceremony, especially in all the different languages.

As these were the first Gay Games in my life, and a moment that I could even share with my loved husband, I feel the need to write these lines to you.

Having had all the guests from all over the world, meeting many different cultures yet being there all for the same reason was an incredible experience. The amazing atmosphere and the experience that being yourself is so natural … makes me speechless.

It was indeed unique and hopefully each and every time it will be for everyone being a part of it. I am very serious writing the following words:

During our lives we may suffer in various ways for being who we are. The Gay Games however not only have the power to inspire people … but also they have the power to heal grief and harm.

Thank you once more and please tell these words everyone involved. I mean it from the bottom of my heart.