The representatives of the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics to the FGG have recently sent all member clubs their position on the recent events surrounding the FGG and the Montreal 2006 organizing committee. There have been attempts by various clubs to respond to the position taken by their own governing body on IGLA's own "discussion board", however all debate has been apparently censored by IGLA itself. I have therefore opened this discussion board to allow for uncensored, open debate on IGLA's position and welcome IGLA reps to participate in the discussion.

FROM IGLA:

November 15, 2003

By now, many of you have heard or read that negotiations between the
Federation of Gay Games(FGG) and Montreal 2006(M2006) have ended
without a license agreement.

This unfortunate turn of events occurred despite the Federation's best
efforts to secure a contract that protected the financial security
and thus viability of this and future Gay Games.

In the last few weeks, M2006 has engaged in a negative campaign
against the FGG in an attempt to side step the negotiation process.
Without exception, M2006 press releases have been filled with
exaggerations, misrepresentations and inaccuracies. Despite the
failure of negotiations, the FGG and the Gay Games will continue. The
FGG is currently undertaking a process to select a new host for the
Gay Games in 2006.

IGLA's mission has always been and continues to be, support of the gay
sports movement and, specifically, the Gay Games.

The IGLA Board and especially your FGG Delegates, urges our members,
both teams and individuals, to support the Gay Games. Rest assured,
the next Gay Games will be spectacular and reflect the goals of
inclusion, participation and personal best.

For answers to specific questions regarding the negotiations with
M2006, the Federation will continue to update the public through its
web site at www.gaygames.org.

Thank you for your continued support throughout this difficult
process.

Sincerely,

Philip Hayman and Priscilla Kawakami
IGLA Delegates to the Federation of Gay Games

[ November 21, 2003, 06:58 PM: Message edited by: igloopolo ]

As others have inasmuch said, a lose-lose situation has been created, to the ultimate detriment of the movement. It remains to be seen whether both Montreal and FGG have the maturity to remind themselves, preferably with a third party facilitator, what the Games are all about and aim for a win-win situation. The IGLA representatives to the FGG did not help by siding with FGG when clearly both sides were responsible for the breakdown of negotiations.

Atlanta has now decided not to bid for Gay Games in 2006; it remains to be seen whether Chicago can be persuaded to bid. The Downtown Swim Club in Toronto and individual Toronto member here can only decide what to do as and when events unfold.

By the way, I have also tried to post to the IGLA Yahoo groups and have been censored.

Thanks Igloopolo for this, appreciated.

The swim team here in Auckland (Team Auckland) will be discussing the Montreal / FGG split sometime in the new year, and deciding what to do then.

It is likely at this stage, based on informal discussions that have been held, that a majority of swimmers will head to Montreal, with a minority going to whatever city the Gay Games are held in.

It is noted at this stage that the split is much regretted by most swimmers in the Team.

This debate is certainly heating up within the queer aquatic community. IGLA has decided to start an on-line discussion board for its members. It is being monitored, but they seem to be allowing healthy discussion to take place.

So I encourage anyone interested in reading/contributing to visit their site at:

IGLA discussion board

Anyone can contribute. In fact, the co-president of the FGG himself, and one of the FGG board members have already contributed interesting views.

Of course, should it become evident that censuring is occurring, feel free to contribute on this board, otherwise we'll never know about it.

Thanks

[ December 06, 2003, 01:13 PM: Message edited by: igloopolo ]