© Federation of Gay GamesIn 1980, Dr. Tom Waddell, a 1968 Olympic decathlete, led a group of San Francisco residents including Mark Brown and Paul Mart in conceiving the event now known as the Gay Games. Tom dreamed of a sporting event based on the philosophy that "doing one's personal best should be the paramount goal in any athletic endeavor."
© Federation of Gay GamesSan Francisco Arts & Athletics (SFAA) was incorporated and supervised the logistics of both Gay Games I and II. Tom Waddell lost his battle with AIDS and died in July 1987, less than a year after Gay Games II, but his legacy was assured as the inspiration for future Gay Games. The SFAA board of directors, which included Tom's widow Sara Waddell Lewinstein, took steps to enlarge its membership beyond the Bay Area and in 1989 changed its name to the Federation of Gay Games.
© Federation of Gay GamesNo one involved with the first Gay Games — organisers, participants, supporters or spectators — knew quite what to expect beforehand, but the opening ceremony at Kezar Stadium on Saturday, 28 August, proved to be one of the most uplifting events in gay and lesbian history. That day marked the beginning of a week of spirited competition in 17 sports by about 1,350 athletes from 12 countries. Lives were changed, and it was clear the Gay Games would be held again.
| 1982 |
San Francisco |
|
1,350 Participants |
| 1986 |
San Francisco |
„Triumph `86“ |
3,482 Participants |
| 1990 |
Vancouver |
„Celebration“ |
7,500 Participants |
| 1994 |
New York City |
“Unity ‘94” |
10,864 Participants |
| 1998 |
Amsterdam |
„Friendship“ |
14,715 Participants |
| 2002 |
Sydney |
„Under New Skies“ |
14,500 Participants |
| 2006 |
Chicago |
„Where the World Meets“ |
11,500 Participants |
| 2010 |
Cologne |
„Be part of it!“ |
approx. 10,000 Participants |
For further information have a look at the website of the Federation of Gay Games: gaygames.com
