Equipe France reception at Paris City Hall

The magnificent reception rooms of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) of Paris welcomed the Parisian medal winners from Gay Games VIII last night. Mayor Bertrand Delanoë, who was obliged to remain at an event in Lisbon, was unfortunately unable to attend, but was ably replaced by Deputy Mayor for Sport Jean Vuillermoz.

During his speech (read HERE), Mr. Vuillermoz showed his deep understanding of the importance of the Gay Games as a sporting event, but also as an event for human rights, for a fight for equality that is representative of true French democratic values.

He reminded those present of the support given by the City of Paris to the FSGL, whether in the form of facilities and financing for the Paris 2010 bid, the availability for facilities for ongoing sport activities, and the patronage of Mr. Delanoë for the TIP multisport tournament, for which many municipal gymnasiums, stadiums, and swimming pools are made available.

Mr. Vuillermoz also expressed the strong desire to formalize and expand this support in the form of a multiyear contract binding the City and the FSGL. He also stated that the City would be supporting the FSGL's application to the Ministry of Sport to be an approved national sports federation, and reminded those present of the support offered to FSGL club Paris Aquatique when it successfully applied for official sports ministry recognition (agrément).

After the speeches, Emy Ritt, copresident of the FGG, was invited to join FSGL president Bruno Aussenac and Mr. Vuillermoz. Emy presented the Deputy Mayor with a Gay Games VIII participation medal, which seemed to greatly please Mr. Vuillermoz, who explained that this was the first sports medal he has ever won in his life. He was asked by Emy to present her personal medal to the Mayor.

Special thanks to Philippe Lasnier of the Mayor's Office for helping with this event.

----
See also this article in Têtu.