Tribute to bidders at FGG Awards Reception

Among those receiving the FGG Tribute to Bidders was Sara Waddell Lewinstein, representing San Francisco, host of Gay Games I and II

On Sunday 1 August, the FGG recognised various individuals and organisations at an Awards Reception in the beautiful 12th-floor event room at the Pullman Cologne.

On this occasion, FGG copresidents made the following speech:

As we celebrate Gay Games VIII in Cologne this week, we are reminded of the courage, efforts, and resources required by bidders to participate in the Gay Games Site Selection process.

Although it is a joyous occasion for the organisation selected to host the Gay Games, we recognise the disappointment felt by those not chosen, and heartily applaud all candidates for having believed in the Gay Games with the strength and passion required to bid and host this life-changing event. Beyond the bidders’ commitment to the Gay Games, we are particularly grateful for the increased visibility to LGBT sport and culture that their efforts have provided.


Over the last three decades, the Gay Games has been very fortunate to have had
many bidders from all over the world step forward to participate in the Site Selection process. We believe that any of these bids would have resulted in a successful Gay Games, and are especially moved by those organisations that chose to return to the bidding process a second and third time with even better proposals.

Without the support of bidders, the Gay Games would not be the premier LGBT
international multisport and cultural festival that we know today. Therefore, it seems only fitting to pay tribute to all Gay Games Bidders and to salute them for being key contributors to the almost 30-year Gay Games movement.

To show our appreciation to those who have heeded the call to "take the flame", we
have invited representatives from each of the past Gay Games Bidding Organisations
to join us join us today.

As a token of our appreciation and gratitude, FGG is very pleased to award a Gay
Games Medal of Honour to each bidding city.

This award is not only for the efforts and sacrifice of bidders in support of the Gay Games movement, but also for their long-standing cooperation and loyalty over the years.

Emy Ritt & Kurt Dahl
FGG Co-Presidents
On behalf of FGG Board of Directors
---
History of Gay Games Bidding
GG1-San Francisco (No bidding)
GG2-San Francisco (No bidding)
GG3-Vancouver (No bidding)
GG4-New York, Sydney
GG5-Amsterdam, Atlanta, Sydney
GG6-Dallas, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Montreal, Sydney, Toronto
GG7-Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal
GG8-Cologne, Johannesburg, Paris
GG9-Boston, Cleveland, Washington, D.C.