Ken, it would seem your Montreal fears have come true.
It's too bad, with all the great financial success they've had so far, that Outgames could not have jumped in to offer some sort of assistance.
Full Version: 2006 Schism, Episode II - A New Hope
Hey ChiAthlete and Ken:
Unfortunately we (Canada) did lose the 2005 Aquatics championship which is a real blow to Canada's Aquatics program. I was talking to a corporate marketing guru on the weekend and he told me he did not think the event could be saved, because there just was not the corporate interest in the event. He told me that corporations here continue to tie in their marketing to the 'elite sport' world as he called it, with proven performers, like the pro sport leagues and other sports that attract good TV ratings like auto racing, golf, figure skating and curling. Yes rest of the world curling gets huge TV ratings here - don't laugh.
Of the 'other sports' he told me that the winter sports would likely have an easier time attracting corporate sponsors because the next Olympics in 2006 are winter games, and it is only at the Olympics that we (Canadians) watch any of these 'other sports' in numbers significant enough to be of interest to corporate Canada. He also said corporate Canada is even more inclined to be leaning exclusively towards building up a relationship with winter sports leading up to Vancouver/Whistler hosting 2010's Winter Olympics. He told me - and I have read in the Toronto papers as well - that summer 'other sports' which includes swimming and diving are going to have a hard go of it here for the next few years as money pours into winter sports. So we could be in for tough times in years to come with summer Olympic type sports in this country.
I asked him point blank, if he thought those problems could be related to the OutGames and he without hesitation said no. He felt OutGames sponsorship would be looked at somewhat differently from what corporations expect out of 'elite sport' sponsorship. He said - corporations wanting to look progressive and forward looking, would likely be very interested in tying in with an event like OutGames. And in fact he said to me - if indeed Montreal lost the Aquatic event for 2005, that in fact may bode well for the OutGames because there would be a rallying within Montreal's business community not to lose yet another significant event for their city much like they rallied when it looked like they were going to lose their Formula One Race last year.
Marketing is not my field so I don't claim to know if what he said is what will happen, but it did seem to make sense to me.
Pat
Unfortunately we (Canada) did lose the 2005 Aquatics championship which is a real blow to Canada's Aquatics program. I was talking to a corporate marketing guru on the weekend and he told me he did not think the event could be saved, because there just was not the corporate interest in the event. He told me that corporations here continue to tie in their marketing to the 'elite sport' world as he called it, with proven performers, like the pro sport leagues and other sports that attract good TV ratings like auto racing, golf, figure skating and curling. Yes rest of the world curling gets huge TV ratings here - don't laugh.
Of the 'other sports' he told me that the winter sports would likely have an easier time attracting corporate sponsors because the next Olympics in 2006 are winter games, and it is only at the Olympics that we (Canadians) watch any of these 'other sports' in numbers significant enough to be of interest to corporate Canada. He also said corporate Canada is even more inclined to be leaning exclusively towards building up a relationship with winter sports leading up to Vancouver/Whistler hosting 2010's Winter Olympics. He told me - and I have read in the Toronto papers as well - that summer 'other sports' which includes swimming and diving are going to have a hard go of it here for the next few years as money pours into winter sports. So we could be in for tough times in years to come with summer Olympic type sports in this country. I asked him point blank, if he thought those problems could be related to the OutGames and he without hesitation said no. He felt OutGames sponsorship would be looked at somewhat differently from what corporations expect out of 'elite sport' sponsorship. He said - corporations wanting to look progressive and forward looking, would likely be very interested in tying in with an event like OutGames. And in fact he said to me - if indeed Montreal lost the Aquatic event for 2005, that in fact may bode well for the OutGames because there would be a rallying within Montreal's business community not to lose yet another significant event for their city much like they rallied when it looked like they were going to lose their Formula One Race last year.
Marketing is not my field so I don't claim to know if what he said is what will happen, but it did seem to make sense to me.
Pat
Pat,
It is very nice of your friend to say such things but it sure sounds like a bit of blind side to me.
He is suggesting that the community in Montreal could rally behind the OutGames in order to stop Montreal from losing another major event after losing the FINA Aquatics Championships? And then you mention how Montreal has also lost their car race last year? Why did that groundswell of support not materialize for the FINA Championships?
I am not happy that the Championships have been taken away, nor was I happy when Montreal 2006 ceased negotiating in good faith and walked away from the table with the FGG.
I do see some parallels here though.
The only difference I am seeing right now is that there is no way that the Montreal folks that were organizing the FINA Championships can blame FINA and start their own World Aquatics Association and host a Championships anyway!!
I consider that concept along with the fact that the GLBT community is not legitimate in terms of selection. (Shades of our democracy discussion?)Anyone can hang out their hat and say they are the "leaders" of the GLBT Community and there is not a process in place to challenge that. Insofar as FINA is concerned - they are the choice and you don't get any others at that level.
Therein lies my trouble with the persons at GLISA. Just because a newbie to the scene is hired as Executive Director and she tells you that things are going well, doesn't mean that her process, as well as her organization's process are not inherently flawed and destructive.
I must also struggle with the concept that everything is rosy for the GLISA concept when they have re-issued their "final" dates for applications to apply as host of OutGames 2 due to a lack of interest. Sounds like crisi material to me. Or simply spin. If they keep telling us everything is fine, and enough of us believe it.............is it really fine if it isn't?
Stay tuned for more developments out of Montreal.
Ken
[ January 19, 2005, 09:46 AM: Message edited by: kenmac ]
It is very nice of your friend to say such things but it sure sounds like a bit of blind side to me.
He is suggesting that the community in Montreal could rally behind the OutGames in order to stop Montreal from losing another major event after losing the FINA Aquatics Championships? And then you mention how Montreal has also lost their car race last year? Why did that groundswell of support not materialize for the FINA Championships?
I am not happy that the Championships have been taken away, nor was I happy when Montreal 2006 ceased negotiating in good faith and walked away from the table with the FGG.
I do see some parallels here though.
The only difference I am seeing right now is that there is no way that the Montreal folks that were organizing the FINA Championships can blame FINA and start their own World Aquatics Association and host a Championships anyway!!
I consider that concept along with the fact that the GLBT community is not legitimate in terms of selection. (Shades of our democracy discussion?)Anyone can hang out their hat and say they are the "leaders" of the GLBT Community and there is not a process in place to challenge that. Insofar as FINA is concerned - they are the choice and you don't get any others at that level.
Therein lies my trouble with the persons at GLISA. Just because a newbie to the scene is hired as Executive Director and she tells you that things are going well, doesn't mean that her process, as well as her organization's process are not inherently flawed and destructive.
I must also struggle with the concept that everything is rosy for the GLISA concept when they have re-issued their "final" dates for applications to apply as host of OutGames 2 due to a lack of interest. Sounds like crisi material to me. Or simply spin. If they keep telling us everything is fine, and enough of us believe it.............is it really fine if it isn't?
Stay tuned for more developments out of Montreal.
Ken
[ January 19, 2005, 09:46 AM: Message edited by: kenmac ]
Hey Ken:
Again I'm not in Montreal to get the on the ground feel for what is happening there in relation to this FINA decision, so I just called a friend to ask. His reaction - 'Who cares?'. He said nobody he knew of in Montreal seemed very interested in whether or not the event was pulled. There was no emotional attachment to it for most Montrealers - other than for those in the actual organizing committee. The same was not true of the Formula One Race which is Montreal's Signature 'Event' each year. That is why they saved that event - people cared. And he said Montrealers - especially the gay community now do have an emotional attachment to the OutGames, and the lethargy that doomed the FINA championships is not a problem the OutGames has. He says there are now a big chunk of people in Montreal who very much care about the OutGames and related conference.
Of course we'll see how this pans out over the next while - keeping in mind though that unlike the Aquatics championship - which completely failed to attract sponsorship, that has not been a problem thus far for the OutGames - at all.
And as for your continuing concerns about GLISA - you know I disagree and I'll leave it at that.
Pat
[ January 19, 2005, 10:10 AM: Message edited by: Travelpat ]
Again I'm not in Montreal to get the on the ground feel for what is happening there in relation to this FINA decision, so I just called a friend to ask. His reaction - 'Who cares?'. He said nobody he knew of in Montreal seemed very interested in whether or not the event was pulled. There was no emotional attachment to it for most Montrealers - other than for those in the actual organizing committee. The same was not true of the Formula One Race which is Montreal's Signature 'Event' each year. That is why they saved that event - people cared. And he said Montrealers - especially the gay community now do have an emotional attachment to the OutGames, and the lethargy that doomed the FINA championships is not a problem the OutGames has. He says there are now a big chunk of people in Montreal who very much care about the OutGames and related conference.
Of course we'll see how this pans out over the next while - keeping in mind though that unlike the Aquatics championship - which completely failed to attract sponsorship, that has not been a problem thus far for the OutGames - at all.
And as for your continuing concerns about GLISA - you know I disagree and I'll leave it at that.
Pat
[ January 19, 2005, 10:10 AM: Message edited by: Travelpat ]
Pat,
Insofar as our disagreements go - we are consistent. What some people may not have noticed over the past months is the number of times we have actually agreed!
My point with GLISA is simply that it is destructive for a marginalised community (even if we are less marginalised in Canada compared to most and maybe all other countries) to water down their product. The best strategy is to work together through agreements and disagreements to make the best and most representative product that we can. There are more than enough forces working against us in the world that self destruction seems to be the least likely factor in stopping progress - but here is an example to the contrary.
As an event I wish them good luck.
As an organization that has developed a strategy that is contrary to the wishes of the Think Tank, all I can say is that Karma works.
In parting I can only think that if the IOC pulled the Olympics from Vancouver/Whistler tomorrow, every person in Vancouver/Whistler and the surrounding area would have an opinion that would be nothing like the opinion your friend from Montreal has expressed. They would have some feeling to express and not a simple - I don't care.
Ken
Insofar as our disagreements go - we are consistent. What some people may not have noticed over the past months is the number of times we have actually agreed!
My point with GLISA is simply that it is destructive for a marginalised community (even if we are less marginalised in Canada compared to most and maybe all other countries) to water down their product. The best strategy is to work together through agreements and disagreements to make the best and most representative product that we can. There are more than enough forces working against us in the world that self destruction seems to be the least likely factor in stopping progress - but here is an example to the contrary.
As an event I wish them good luck.
As an organization that has developed a strategy that is contrary to the wishes of the Think Tank, all I can say is that Karma works.
In parting I can only think that if the IOC pulled the Olympics from Vancouver/Whistler tomorrow, every person in Vancouver/Whistler and the surrounding area would have an opinion that would be nothing like the opinion your friend from Montreal has expressed. They would have some feeling to express and not a simple - I don't care.
Ken
QUOTE
kenmac:
nor was I happy when Montreal 2006 ceased negotiating in good faith and walked away from the table with the FGG.
Ken
I'm quite happy that this thread .... A New Hope, has been largely positive, and nor do I want spin it back onto the negative, but since you can't resist the little asides, I would like to re-level the playing field by reminding you that many people believe that it was Not Montreal who ceased negotiating in good faith. nor was I happy when Montreal 2006 ceased negotiating in good faith and walked away from the table with the FGG.
Ken
And before anyone chooses to fan the flames with a "whaddya mean, explain yourself?" I direct everyone back to the many arguements presented in part one of this thread, so aptly called "a hate-filled venom pit." Nuff said.
Hey Chuck,
So long as you voice opinion as fact, and then tell us all "Nuff said" you are the fanning agent.
Ken
So long as you voice opinion as fact, and then tell us all "Nuff said" you are the fanning agent.
Ken
Are you guys going to argue about this over and over again?
Why don't you guys take it outside and fight about it on the playground?
You guys act like little kids on this matter. Is it possible, just possible, to be positive eek! about the 2 Gay Games?
Why don't you guys take it outside and fight about it on the playground?
You guys act like little kids on this matter. Is it possible, just possible, to be positive eek! about the 2 Gay Games?
QUOTE
Allen:
Are you guys going to argue about this over and over again?
Yes. Yes they are. wink
Are you guys going to argue about this over and over again?
Some good news I did forget to mention earlier, Team Toronto ended up having a very good fund raiser the other night, raising well over $3000.00 between ticket sales and a silent auction we held at a local performance of the play Take Me Out. That is one of our best single fundraisers in a long long time as far as I can remember. Hopefully it bodes well for future fundraising success as we try to raise money to assist Toronto athletes attend either the OutGames or the Gay Games or both for that matter. Whatever we can do to help BOTH GAMES succeed.
Pat
Pat
A black eye for Montreal as a sports town again. Loss of the Aquatic championships, Gay games, World Games, the Expos... and more government money to the Grand Prix to make it stay. People feared the loss of the Aquatics would be a major blow to the reputation of the city among sports federations since it is a very important event. It will hurt getting a chance to hosting a major event in the future.
It was known for at least a couple of months that the championship was in jeopardy. Still they didn't find enough sponsors.
We don't have swim stars but diving would have a great number of people. Diving was probably the most watched event of the Athens Olympics in Quebec because of our divers and medal hopes.
Alexandre Despatie and Emily Heymans are defending world champions (1993 in Spain). They both won a medal at the Olympics. Despatie is sponsored by McDonald's. He appears in some of their TV ads. There was potential to attract sponsors. Even if we don't have swimming stars, swimming is still one of the main sports with gymnastics and athletics.
The mayor of Montreal is still looking to salvage the Aquatics games. I don't know how FINA could give it back to Montreal after taking it away. Since the infrastructure is now built, maybe they will try to host an event anyway and call it the Water Championships.
Ironic that Rachel Corbett wrote on this website: "there is a significant body of knowledge developed in Canada on successful hosting of major sporting events."
Maybe in Alberta with the examples given but not everywhere.
And wrote also "The concept of legacy means that a sporting event leaves its host community better off than it was before."
Not a positive legacy from the Montreal Olympic Games. The only time a host country didn't win a gold medal. There was not a big sports legacy. We didn't get a big bunch of top amateur athletes locally. There was a velodrome with a good track that was underutilized. It was later transformed in a Biodome (recreation of four ecosystems). Now they are trying to find the next usage for the Olympic stadium and trying to get a new roof for it. There were even studies done to know how much it would cost to tear it down. There is still the financial legacy. The Olympic debt is almost paid, will be done in a year or two. Paid for it 30 years!
Corbett wrote also "Almost half of the Canadian team competing at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002 were athletes and coaches who lived and trained in Calgary, and this ratio will likely exceed 50 percent for the Torino Olympic Winter Games."
That is a problem for many athletes who wish to train but don't want to be forced to go in exile at the other end of the country.
It was known for at least a couple of months that the championship was in jeopardy. Still they didn't find enough sponsors.
We don't have swim stars but diving would have a great number of people. Diving was probably the most watched event of the Athens Olympics in Quebec because of our divers and medal hopes.
Alexandre Despatie and Emily Heymans are defending world champions (1993 in Spain). They both won a medal at the Olympics. Despatie is sponsored by McDonald's. He appears in some of their TV ads. There was potential to attract sponsors. Even if we don't have swimming stars, swimming is still one of the main sports with gymnastics and athletics.
The mayor of Montreal is still looking to salvage the Aquatics games. I don't know how FINA could give it back to Montreal after taking it away. Since the infrastructure is now built, maybe they will try to host an event anyway and call it the Water Championships.
Ironic that Rachel Corbett wrote on this website: "there is a significant body of knowledge developed in Canada on successful hosting of major sporting events."
Maybe in Alberta with the examples given but not everywhere.
And wrote also "The concept of legacy means that a sporting event leaves its host community better off than it was before."
Not a positive legacy from the Montreal Olympic Games. The only time a host country didn't win a gold medal. There was not a big sports legacy. We didn't get a big bunch of top amateur athletes locally. There was a velodrome with a good track that was underutilized. It was later transformed in a Biodome (recreation of four ecosystems). Now they are trying to find the next usage for the Olympic stadium and trying to get a new roof for it. There were even studies done to know how much it would cost to tear it down. There is still the financial legacy. The Olympic debt is almost paid, will be done in a year or two. Paid for it 30 years!
Corbett wrote also "Almost half of the Canadian team competing at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002 were athletes and coaches who lived and trained in Calgary, and this ratio will likely exceed 50 percent for the Torino Olympic Winter Games."
That is a problem for many athletes who wish to train but don't want to be forced to go in exile at the other end of the country.
Zeno,
When I was taking my Bachelors Degree in Sport Science and Administration, I was fed the same story that Rachel is passing on to us now- that canada is THE world leader in putting on World Class Championship events but the facts did not support it then (and I graduated closer to the 1976 Olympics than I would like to admit) and it doesn't hold water today. Specially today with this current FINA fiasco.
I have to admit that I am embarassed that the major share of this GLISA stuff is coming from Canadians and hope that everyone realizes that this is not a Canadian thing. Vancouver hosted the 3rd Gay Games and most Canadians will continue to support the Gay Games.
I do wish those out there that would like us to stop the discussions in regards to who left the negotiating table would at least acknowledge that they are aware of the facts.
It is way too easy to hide your head in the sand while others do what they can to tear apart important social structures. You don't have to look far to see that very action happening in just about every country in the world. Sometimes it is the actions in silence that hurt us the most.
Joe in Philly, so long as the issue is alive, I will discuss it and you will cut it. I am resigned to that situation. You can question my facts - as provided over and over again by the people that were there and not refuted by anyone in Montreal - or you can imply I am not a good person by insisting that the facts be used when making decisions, but you cannot make me sit here while people make posts that say things like - "in some people's opinion, it was not Montreal that walked away" That has too much of a ring of an attempt at validity to let it go.
There you have it, my Achilles heel - I want everyone to know what happenned so they can then make their decision.
If they choose to go to Montreal or Chicago, that will be their choice. I know people that do not doubt the facts and do not trust the folks in Montreal and are going there in 2006. They are going there because it is only one part of their program. I support their decision.
I also support the only International Sporting Organization that has put on a number of International, intercontinental Gay Sporting and Curtural events - the Federation of Gay Games.
Once the folks at the OutGames have proven themselves, I will no doubt applaud their accomplishments. So far they cannot find anyone to take on the hsoting of a second event so it is clear that they are in difficulty in Montreal.
Pat - congrats on the fund raising as I know it can be hard to raise such funds. If this heightened awareness in the community results in more people attending both Gay Games and OutGames, then that will be a big positive to this whole situation.
Ken
When I was taking my Bachelors Degree in Sport Science and Administration, I was fed the same story that Rachel is passing on to us now- that canada is THE world leader in putting on World Class Championship events but the facts did not support it then (and I graduated closer to the 1976 Olympics than I would like to admit) and it doesn't hold water today. Specially today with this current FINA fiasco.
I have to admit that I am embarassed that the major share of this GLISA stuff is coming from Canadians and hope that everyone realizes that this is not a Canadian thing. Vancouver hosted the 3rd Gay Games and most Canadians will continue to support the Gay Games.
I do wish those out there that would like us to stop the discussions in regards to who left the negotiating table would at least acknowledge that they are aware of the facts.
It is way too easy to hide your head in the sand while others do what they can to tear apart important social structures. You don't have to look far to see that very action happening in just about every country in the world. Sometimes it is the actions in silence that hurt us the most.
Joe in Philly, so long as the issue is alive, I will discuss it and you will cut it. I am resigned to that situation. You can question my facts - as provided over and over again by the people that were there and not refuted by anyone in Montreal - or you can imply I am not a good person by insisting that the facts be used when making decisions, but you cannot make me sit here while people make posts that say things like - "in some people's opinion, it was not Montreal that walked away" That has too much of a ring of an attempt at validity to let it go.
There you have it, my Achilles heel - I want everyone to know what happenned so they can then make their decision.
If they choose to go to Montreal or Chicago, that will be their choice. I know people that do not doubt the facts and do not trust the folks in Montreal and are going there in 2006. They are going there because it is only one part of their program. I support their decision.
I also support the only International Sporting Organization that has put on a number of International, intercontinental Gay Sporting and Curtural events - the Federation of Gay Games.
Once the folks at the OutGames have proven themselves, I will no doubt applaud their accomplishments. So far they cannot find anyone to take on the hsoting of a second event so it is clear that they are in difficulty in Montreal.
Pat - congrats on the fund raising as I know it can be hard to raise such funds. If this heightened awareness in the community results in more people attending both Gay Games and OutGames, then that will be a big positive to this whole situation.
Ken
QUOTE
Joe in Philly:
Actually, no, no, they are not. Which is exactly why I direct you, Kenmac, back to afformentioned "hate filled venom pit" if you need to research the words "many people believe." Those words may mean exactly that: "MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE." There's, what, 30 pages, on what many people believe on both sides of the line. If anyone wants to rehash that, check the archives. You're on your own. That's what the meaning of the words "nuff said" is.
QUOTE
Allen:
Are you guys going to argue about this over and over again?
Yes. Yes they are. wink Are you guys going to argue about this over and over again?
Chuck,
No one said that some people have opinions that are contrary to fact. That is still their opinion.
I am not arguing with opinion, simply clarifying that opinions are interpretations of facts and not facts themselves.
Nuff said now or are you the only one that gets to say that? wink
Ken
No one said that some people have opinions that are contrary to fact. That is still their opinion.
I am not arguing with opinion, simply clarifying that opinions are interpretations of facts and not facts themselves.
Nuff said now or are you the only one that gets to say that? wink
Ken
I see by the Team Vancouver newsletter and advertising feature in Xtra West, that we are expecting 500+ athletes and performers to represent Vancouver in 2006.
My guess is that's a pretty good guess. 300+ registered in Sydney, and I met 3 guys there just for the fun of it.
Does anyone have estimates for their cities?
My guess is that's a pretty good guess. 300+ registered in Sydney, and I met 3 guys there just for the fun of it.
Does anyone have estimates for their cities?
Hey Chuck:
Difficult to predict but I would not be surprised with the huge growth of gay sports in Toronto since the last time a Games was held anywhere near here (New York 1994), that between Chicago and Montreal (both fairly close to our city), we will likely be WELL OVER the 500 figure Vancouver is bandying about. In fact I think 800+ is a reasonable goal. I know that between the two events close to 200 from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) have already registered, which is an amazing number for this early in the process.
And the thing to keep in mind with that number is that many of those registrants are 'team' sport athletes, who only have a couple of registrations in for their team. That means by the time the rest of their teammates register, that 200 or so number will be way higher. For example I know there are many softball, volleyball and hockey teams planning on going to Montreal, that I know have only registered one or two people on many of those teams for the OutGames so far. So by the time the other 4-5 players on the volleyball teams, or the other 10-12 players on the softball teams and 10-15 players on those hockey teams - all get in their registrations, the number of people registered from Toronto for the OutGames will be MUCH larger than it is now. And of course I assume the same will be true with our Chicago numbers, although I am not as familiar with our Chicago numbers as I am with our OutGames registrations, but I have no reason to believe the situation with our registrations for Chicago would be any different.
So Team Toronto is aiming big, and with Montreal just being a 5 hour drive away, 4 hours on the train or less than an hour in the air, and with Chicago just an 10 hour drive and less than 2 hour flight away, I'm hopeful we can hit that 800+ mark.
Pat
Difficult to predict but I would not be surprised with the huge growth of gay sports in Toronto since the last time a Games was held anywhere near here (New York 1994), that between Chicago and Montreal (both fairly close to our city), we will likely be WELL OVER the 500 figure Vancouver is bandying about. In fact I think 800+ is a reasonable goal. I know that between the two events close to 200 from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) have already registered, which is an amazing number for this early in the process.
And the thing to keep in mind with that number is that many of those registrants are 'team' sport athletes, who only have a couple of registrations in for their team. That means by the time the rest of their teammates register, that 200 or so number will be way higher. For example I know there are many softball, volleyball and hockey teams planning on going to Montreal, that I know have only registered one or two people on many of those teams for the OutGames so far. So by the time the other 4-5 players on the volleyball teams, or the other 10-12 players on the softball teams and 10-15 players on those hockey teams - all get in their registrations, the number of people registered from Toronto for the OutGames will be MUCH larger than it is now. And of course I assume the same will be true with our Chicago numbers, although I am not as familiar with our Chicago numbers as I am with our OutGames registrations, but I have no reason to believe the situation with our registrations for Chicago would be any different.
So Team Toronto is aiming big, and with Montreal just being a 5 hour drive away, 4 hours on the train or less than an hour in the air, and with Chicago just an 10 hour drive and less than 2 hour flight away, I'm hopeful we can hit that 800+ mark.
Pat
With articles such as this one circulating world wide, and pointing out the struggles of financially successful sporting events in Montreal. I can see how critically important it is for OutGames to do whatever it takes to be a financial success.
QUOTE
Allen:
That's the best advice anyone has had on this board in a year.
Pat, I'm not surprised by your 800+ estimate, and when considering all the other major cities so close to Chicago and Montreal, not to mention all the cities that have easy access via air, I stick by my hope that it's entirely possible for BOTH these games to be SUCCESSES.
re: FINA 05 debacle.
Your sources gave you good info, Pat. I find it quite amusing to read the press quotes stating Long Beach is the front runner, simply because they lost to Montreal by one vote in July 2001 during the original bid cycle for the 05 FINA Championships. All seems like bad deja vu.
The Long Beach Convention & Visitor's Bureau spoke to FINA reps over a month ago, telling them that it would be improbable for any city to come in at this stage and financially salvage the event this late in the game. Will be interesting to see if they do end up bidding for this.
Loved the recent letter from FGG on the upcoming conference where Roberto states the international FGG has '25 years of history' providing for the lgbt sport community. Gay Games began in November, 2001, and the FGG wasn't created until 1990. This type of information dissemination reminds me of GWB getting people to believe that Iraq was somehow responsible for the attacks on 11 September 2001. It's all in the spin.
Your sources gave you good info, Pat. I find it quite amusing to read the press quotes stating Long Beach is the front runner, simply because they lost to Montreal by one vote in July 2001 during the original bid cycle for the 05 FINA Championships. All seems like bad deja vu.
The Long Beach Convention & Visitor's Bureau spoke to FINA reps over a month ago, telling them that it would be improbable for any city to come in at this stage and financially salvage the event this late in the game. Will be interesting to see if they do end up bidding for this.
Loved the recent letter from FGG on the upcoming conference where Roberto states the international FGG has '25 years of history' providing for the lgbt sport community. Gay Games began in November, 2001, and the FGG wasn't created until 1990. This type of information dissemination reminds me of GWB getting people to believe that Iraq was somehow responsible for the attacks on 11 September 2001. It's all in the spin.
QUOTE
kenmac:
Zeno,
When I was taking my Bachelors Degree in Sport Science and Administration, I was fed the same story that Rachel is passing on to us now- that canada is THE world leader in putting on World Class Championship events but the facts did not support it then (and I graduated closer to the 1976 Olympics than I would like to admit) and it doesn't hold water today. Specially today with this current FINA fiasco.
I found the article posted on the website and on this thread to be verbiage. The argument that Canada has this special expertise in hosting sports event and sports development (that other countries don't?) is pompous. The author is trying to find a justification for starting a new event originating here. Zeno,
When I was taking my Bachelors Degree in Sport Science and Administration, I was fed the same story that Rachel is passing on to us now- that canada is THE world leader in putting on World Class Championship events but the facts did not support it then (and I graduated closer to the 1976 Olympics than I would like to admit) and it doesn't hold water today. Specially today with this current FINA fiasco.
If you look at Olympic medals, Canada is average at best as a sporting nation.
The Aquatic games saga today tells us the organization committee has spent 20 millions in 2.5 years, excluding the 14 million for the pools. The numbers are compared to Outgames who say they have already spent 2.2 million in about 2 years. 52% of the number is for wages. The two organizations have the same number of employees: 14.
The Commons public accounts committee is interested in finding where the money given to Aquatic Games and the Internationaux du Sports de Montréal (ISM), the body subsidized to find and bring international sports event to the city has gone. The ISM doesn't have a good record, with their last three events cancelled (Gay games, World Games, Aquatics).
ISM has received public funds for 6 years in subsidies and sponsorships (yes, from the now famous federal sponsorship program). ISM and Aquatics are managed by friends of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Thanks Cyd. I'm glad you approve!
QUOTE
Cyd at Outsports:
QUOTE
Allen:
That's the best advice anyone has had on this board in a year.
We're obviously very excited about this:
###############
News Release – 21 January 2005
Contacts: Kevin G. Boyer, 1 (773) 907-2006, kgboyer@ix.netcom.com
Terry Stuart, +61 02 9568 8600 or +61 0407 272 062, newmardigras@mardigras.org.au
Sydney New Mardi Gras and
Gay Games® Chicago Announce International Partnership
Chicago, USA / Sydney, Australia – The 2006 Gay Games and the New Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras today announced a multi-year international partnership designed to strengthen two of the world’s largest and most beloved international gay and lesbian events.
In a joint announcement from Chicago, host of Gay Games VII, and Sydney, site of the world’s largest LGBT Mardi Gras festival, the new partnership broadens the worldwide visibility of both events. Matching two of the world’s most vibrant and gay and lesbian-friendly cities, the new relationship will also enhance tourism and harmony between the LGBT communities in the USA and Australia.
“Sydney and Chicago are forever destined to be entwined in the minds of the LGBT community worldwide,” said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games VII Co Vice-Chair. “Sydney hosted a glorious Gay Games VI in 2002 and Chicago will host Gay Games VII in 2006. We’ve watched as Australians and Sydneysiders pre-registered for Gay Games VII in extraordinary numbers - the highest registration numbers per capita of any nation on earth. The legacy of the Gay Games is strong in Sydney and we welcome the opportunity to partner with New Mardi Gras to strengthen the LGBT community there while we prepare to welcome Aussies to Chicago in 2006.”
“Mardi Gras is bigger than Sydney,” said Mark Orr, New Mardi Gras Co-Chair. “People from Beijing to Barcelona look to it as a beacon for the fight for equal rights, acceptance of the GLTBQ community and a celebration of its rich culture. The Gay Games and our friends in Chicago share these same values and goals and is an ideal match for our organization. Our new relationship with the Gay Games in Chicago will further enhance our reputation as an all-inclusive, international event while we both work toward equality for all.”
Fellow Co-Chair Steph Sands added, “Sydney and the Gay Games movement already enjoy close ties. We hope the new alliance will help to bring more people to Sydney for a taste of a queer Aussie summer.”
"Chicago continues to be a true partner to the international Federation of Gay Games and our participants worldwide" said Kathleen Webster, Federation of Gay Games co-president. "The spirit and success of the 2002 Gay Games are a testament to the Sydney community's commitment to sport and to the international LGBT community. Chicago has shown itself to be a worthy successor. Just as the lesbian and gay sports and culture community will forever remember the Sydney skyline and harbour and their legacy to the Gay Games movement, athletes and artists now turn their attention to Chicago with its outstanding sport traditions, unique architecture and miles of lakefront parks. We're thrilled with this new partnership between Sydney and Chicago."
See page 2
Sydney and Chicago
19 January 2005
Page 2 of 2
About New Mardi Gras
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an iconic event of international renown and is Australia's largest annual outdoor event enjoyed by over one million national and international visitors. In February 2005, New Mardi Gras launches a four week festival with over 100 events, Launch, Fair Day, the world famous Parade, and culminating with a world famous Party. Partners of New Mardi Gras include the City of Sydney, the Sydney Star Observer, plus a dozen other media and business partners. For more information, visit http://www.mardigras.org.au.
About Gay Games VII
Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will take place in Chicago 15-22 July 2006. Over 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The weeklong event will include band, cheerleading and color guard performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, and a series of community-organized social events and parties. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 15 July at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium the Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony will be 22 July at Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, located in the heart of Chicago’s largest LGBT neighborhood.
Registration for Gay Games VII is now open at GayGamesChicago.org. In addition to New Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, other early global sponsors of Gay Games VII include PlanetOut/Gay.com (San Francisco, USA), Q Television Network (Palm Springs, USA), Genre Magazine (New York, USA), Girlfriends Magazine (San Francisco, USA), Sergej Publishing/Mate Magazine (Berlin, Germany) and Windy City Media Group (Chicago, USA) - plus more than 30 business sponsors.
About The Gay Games
The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games have been held in San Francisco (1986; 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990; 7,300 participants), New York (1994; 12,500 participants), Amsterdam (1998; 13,000 participants), and Sydney (2002; 11,000 participants).
The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™. For more information, visit GayGames.org.
Chicago Games, Inc. is the host of Gay Games VII and is led by experienced civic leaders from Chicago’s business, sports and non-profit sectors. For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VII in Chicago, visit GayGamesChicago.org, e-mail info@GayGamesChicago.org, or phone (773) 907-2006.
###
Chicago Games, Inc - 5443 N. Broadway, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60640
773.907.2006 – GayGamesChicago.org– info@GayGamesChicago.org
“Gay Games®” and the interlocking circles device are registered trademarks of the Federation of Gay Games. The Gay Games VII logo and its figures are copyright Federation of Gay Games. All rights reserved.
###############
News Release – 21 January 2005
Contacts: Kevin G. Boyer, 1 (773) 907-2006, kgboyer@ix.netcom.com
Terry Stuart, +61 02 9568 8600 or +61 0407 272 062, newmardigras@mardigras.org.au
Sydney New Mardi Gras and
Gay Games® Chicago Announce International Partnership
Chicago, USA / Sydney, Australia – The 2006 Gay Games and the New Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras today announced a multi-year international partnership designed to strengthen two of the world’s largest and most beloved international gay and lesbian events.
In a joint announcement from Chicago, host of Gay Games VII, and Sydney, site of the world’s largest LGBT Mardi Gras festival, the new partnership broadens the worldwide visibility of both events. Matching two of the world’s most vibrant and gay and lesbian-friendly cities, the new relationship will also enhance tourism and harmony between the LGBT communities in the USA and Australia.
“Sydney and Chicago are forever destined to be entwined in the minds of the LGBT community worldwide,” said Kevin Boyer, Gay Games VII Co Vice-Chair. “Sydney hosted a glorious Gay Games VI in 2002 and Chicago will host Gay Games VII in 2006. We’ve watched as Australians and Sydneysiders pre-registered for Gay Games VII in extraordinary numbers - the highest registration numbers per capita of any nation on earth. The legacy of the Gay Games is strong in Sydney and we welcome the opportunity to partner with New Mardi Gras to strengthen the LGBT community there while we prepare to welcome Aussies to Chicago in 2006.”
“Mardi Gras is bigger than Sydney,” said Mark Orr, New Mardi Gras Co-Chair. “People from Beijing to Barcelona look to it as a beacon for the fight for equal rights, acceptance of the GLTBQ community and a celebration of its rich culture. The Gay Games and our friends in Chicago share these same values and goals and is an ideal match for our organization. Our new relationship with the Gay Games in Chicago will further enhance our reputation as an all-inclusive, international event while we both work toward equality for all.”
Fellow Co-Chair Steph Sands added, “Sydney and the Gay Games movement already enjoy close ties. We hope the new alliance will help to bring more people to Sydney for a taste of a queer Aussie summer.”
"Chicago continues to be a true partner to the international Federation of Gay Games and our participants worldwide" said Kathleen Webster, Federation of Gay Games co-president. "The spirit and success of the 2002 Gay Games are a testament to the Sydney community's commitment to sport and to the international LGBT community. Chicago has shown itself to be a worthy successor. Just as the lesbian and gay sports and culture community will forever remember the Sydney skyline and harbour and their legacy to the Gay Games movement, athletes and artists now turn their attention to Chicago with its outstanding sport traditions, unique architecture and miles of lakefront parks. We're thrilled with this new partnership between Sydney and Chicago."
See page 2
Sydney and Chicago
19 January 2005
Page 2 of 2
About New Mardi Gras
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an iconic event of international renown and is Australia's largest annual outdoor event enjoyed by over one million national and international visitors. In February 2005, New Mardi Gras launches a four week festival with over 100 events, Launch, Fair Day, the world famous Parade, and culminating with a world famous Party. Partners of New Mardi Gras include the City of Sydney, the Sydney Star Observer, plus a dozen other media and business partners. For more information, visit http://www.mardigras.org.au.
About Gay Games VII
Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival will take place in Chicago 15-22 July 2006. Over 12,000 athletes from more than 100 countries will compete in 30 sports ranging from softball to dancesport, swimming to tennis. The weeklong event will include band, cheerleading and color guard performances, chorus, an ancillary arts festival, and a series of community-organized social events and parties. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 15 July at Soldier Field, the lakefront home stadium the Chicago Bears. Closing ceremony will be 22 July at Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, located in the heart of Chicago’s largest LGBT neighborhood.
Registration for Gay Games VII is now open at GayGamesChicago.org. In addition to New Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, other early global sponsors of Gay Games VII include PlanetOut/Gay.com (San Francisco, USA), Q Television Network (Palm Springs, USA), Genre Magazine (New York, USA), Girlfriends Magazine (San Francisco, USA), Sergej Publishing/Mate Magazine (Berlin, Germany) and Windy City Media Group (Chicago, USA) - plus more than 30 business sponsors.
About The Gay Games
The Gay Games was conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and was first held in San Francisco in 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games have been held in San Francisco (1986; 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990; 7,300 participants), New York (1994; 12,500 participants), Amsterdam (1998; 13,000 participants), and Sydney (2002; 11,000 participants).
The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™. For more information, visit GayGames.org.
Chicago Games, Inc. is the host of Gay Games VII and is led by experienced civic leaders from Chicago’s business, sports and non-profit sectors. For information about how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VII in Chicago, visit GayGamesChicago.org, e-mail info@GayGamesChicago.org, or phone (773) 907-2006.
###
Chicago Games, Inc - 5443 N. Broadway, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60640
773.907.2006 – GayGamesChicago.org– info@GayGamesChicago.org
“Gay Games®” and the interlocking circles device are registered trademarks of the Federation of Gay Games. The Gay Games VII logo and its figures are copyright Federation of Gay Games. All rights reserved.
Kevin
Great news about the partnership with the Sydneysiders!! Also good to hear about all of those paid registrations. Do you guys count the people that have expressed an interest? What about extrapolating numbers based on team sports?
Zeno
I just went to the website for the ISM that you mentioned and found this:
http://www.sportmontreal.ca/pub/action/nos...oscand.jsp#2006
Even though 3 out of the 5 events they helped Montreal get, are no longer associated with Montreal, they still have them on their website. Doesn't appear to me to be a very functioning organization considering their track record.
I notice Robert Vezina in the phot of the Gay Games Bid group and still must wonder why he left the organization considering how much passion he had for the event?
It is good to know, as a Canadian taxpayer, that there is an established connection between the ISM and the bad money the government was giving out. Considering that Prime Minister Paul Martin has stated that they will follow-up on these "deals" and with our excellent Auditor General, we may see more about the government sponsorship money. I wonder if this could lead to the end of the OutGames?
Finally I have to wonder what Rachel Corbit would be thinking in light of all of this information? Does she still think that everything is rosey?
Ken
Great news about the partnership with the Sydneysiders!! Also good to hear about all of those paid registrations. Do you guys count the people that have expressed an interest? What about extrapolating numbers based on team sports?
Zeno
I just went to the website for the ISM that you mentioned and found this:
http://www.sportmontreal.ca/pub/action/nos...oscand.jsp#2006
Even though 3 out of the 5 events they helped Montreal get, are no longer associated with Montreal, they still have them on their website. Doesn't appear to me to be a very functioning organization considering their track record.
I notice Robert Vezina in the phot of the Gay Games Bid group and still must wonder why he left the organization considering how much passion he had for the event?
It is good to know, as a Canadian taxpayer, that there is an established connection between the ISM and the bad money the government was giving out. Considering that Prime Minister Paul Martin has stated that they will follow-up on these "deals" and with our excellent Auditor General, we may see more about the government sponsorship money. I wonder if this could lead to the end of the OutGames?
Finally I have to wonder what Rachel Corbit would be thinking in light of all of this information? Does she still think that everything is rosey?
Ken
Hey Ken:
You will note with announcements made by the Canadian Olympic committee this morning
http://www.olympic.ca/EN/organization/news...2005/0121.shtml, my marketing sources were correct.
Everything seems to be all about the Winter Olympics now for both 2006 and long range for Vancouver/Whistler 2010. We could not come up with 6 or 7 million bucks to save a swim event, but 2 days later we're announcing a $110 million dollar plan to help give Canada a chance to win the most medals of any country at those 2010 Winter Games. I saw them talking about this on CBC Newsworld this morning and it was mentioned that the expectation was that up to half of that money is expected to come from Canada's corporate community. A marketing guy on that program said corporatations are 'lining up' and in some cases in bidding wars to tie in their elite sport marketing budgets to the Winter Olympic sports, leading up to 2010. And he even mentioned that with all the money going for winter sports that although it may seem ironic that just days after losing the Aquatics event we are announcing a multi million dollar program for our winter athletes, it in fact makes sense, because winter sports is where all the money is going right now. And with wind chills of -30C today here in Toronto - let's face it - we're a winter sports nation.
And again apologies for those wanting to read about Gay Games or OutGames here, but just to tie this post back into that topic, let me repeat what my corporate marketing friend also said the other night. None of this - no money for elite swimming and mega bucks for elite winter sports - will have much to do with corporations support for the OutGames. He said from a corporations marketing perspective that an event like OutGames is looked upon as a completely different marketing opportunity than that presented with elite sport events like the Olympics or Aquatics championships. The OutGames or the Gay Games for that matter, were they still in Montreal, would be looked upon more along the lines of large scale festivals like the Jazz festival or a Pride Event he said. And those kinds of events still hold great appeal as good sponsorship opportunities for corporate Canada which he said should bode very well for the OutGames.
Pat
You will note with announcements made by the Canadian Olympic committee this morning
http://www.olympic.ca/EN/organization/news...2005/0121.shtml, my marketing sources were correct.
Everything seems to be all about the Winter Olympics now for both 2006 and long range for Vancouver/Whistler 2010. We could not come up with 6 or 7 million bucks to save a swim event, but 2 days later we're announcing a $110 million dollar plan to help give Canada a chance to win the most medals of any country at those 2010 Winter Games. I saw them talking about this on CBC Newsworld this morning and it was mentioned that the expectation was that up to half of that money is expected to come from Canada's corporate community. A marketing guy on that program said corporatations are 'lining up' and in some cases in bidding wars to tie in their elite sport marketing budgets to the Winter Olympic sports, leading up to 2010. And he even mentioned that with all the money going for winter sports that although it may seem ironic that just days after losing the Aquatics event we are announcing a multi million dollar program for our winter athletes, it in fact makes sense, because winter sports is where all the money is going right now. And with wind chills of -30C today here in Toronto - let's face it - we're a winter sports nation.
And again apologies for those wanting to read about Gay Games or OutGames here, but just to tie this post back into that topic, let me repeat what my corporate marketing friend also said the other night. None of this - no money for elite swimming and mega bucks for elite winter sports - will have much to do with corporations support for the OutGames. He said from a corporations marketing perspective that an event like OutGames is looked upon as a completely different marketing opportunity than that presented with elite sport events like the Olympics or Aquatics championships. The OutGames or the Gay Games for that matter, were they still in Montreal, would be looked upon more along the lines of large scale festivals like the Jazz festival or a Pride Event he said. And those kinds of events still hold great appeal as good sponsorship opportunities for corporate Canada which he said should bode very well for the OutGames.
Pat
Pat
I don't dispute that your friend was correct in seeing what is happening in Canada in terms of trends for supporting sport. Perhaps it is because I am Coaching elite athletes in a Winter Sport at the developmental level that I am more tied in with this development, or perhaps it is because I know some of the VANOC people, but it was clear to me that we were going in this direction.
I don't believe that you can extrapolate anything in regards to the OutGames from this.
If anything, a sound mind would be concerned about the events going on or being planned for the market that has lost 3 events of international proportion in the last couple of years. What happens in 2006 remains to be seen but your logic is flawed in stating that there is an abvious connection or at least any connection at all between those 2 concepts.
It is possible that both can be facts but the support for Canadiaan Winter Sports athletes cannot logically be tied to an increase in support for OutGames!!
A friend of mine from Montreal is still concerned about the Olympic stadium and sent me a note recently to say that she thinks I should talk to the folks in Montreal and ask them if they are reading their own newspapers! Can you imagine that? A Montrealer that is worried about the safety of the building that has been falling apart for years, asks me to speak to the people leading the OutGames about a change in venue.
My prediction - the opening ceremonies will be held somewhere other than the Olympic Stadium but this will not be announced until very close to the date of the OutGames so that their logo still appears relevant.
Ken
PS I was glad to hear about those funding programs as it may benefit my athletes. They really are getting to be quite good.
[ January 21, 2005, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: kenmac ]
I don't dispute that your friend was correct in seeing what is happening in Canada in terms of trends for supporting sport. Perhaps it is because I am Coaching elite athletes in a Winter Sport at the developmental level that I am more tied in with this development, or perhaps it is because I know some of the VANOC people, but it was clear to me that we were going in this direction.
I don't believe that you can extrapolate anything in regards to the OutGames from this.
If anything, a sound mind would be concerned about the events going on or being planned for the market that has lost 3 events of international proportion in the last couple of years. What happens in 2006 remains to be seen but your logic is flawed in stating that there is an abvious connection or at least any connection at all between those 2 concepts.
It is possible that both can be facts but the support for Canadiaan Winter Sports athletes cannot logically be tied to an increase in support for OutGames!!
A friend of mine from Montreal is still concerned about the Olympic stadium and sent me a note recently to say that she thinks I should talk to the folks in Montreal and ask them if they are reading their own newspapers! Can you imagine that? A Montrealer that is worried about the safety of the building that has been falling apart for years, asks me to speak to the people leading the OutGames about a change in venue.
My prediction - the opening ceremonies will be held somewhere other than the Olympic Stadium but this will not be announced until very close to the date of the OutGames so that their logo still appears relevant.
Ken
PS I was glad to hear about those funding programs as it may benefit my athletes. They really are getting to be quite good.
[ January 21, 2005, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: kenmac ]
Hey Ken:
Would you like to place a bet on the Olympic Stadium being used for opening ceremonies? Heck - the OutGames offices are in the stadium complex! I'm not sure what problems your friend in Montreal may be referring to and if any of them are recent problems. I just can't imagine authorities would allow the stadium to be used if there was in fact any kind of threat to the safety of spectators. And they are still using that venue for events such as trade shows, CFL playoff games, and off the wall things like Monster Truck events.
So I would assume authorities feel the venue is safe, just as I am sure authorities in Chicago are certain that Wrigley Field is safe, which is the absolutely wonderful venue Chicago is using for their closing ceremonies. One of baseball's shrines. And I'm thrilled to say I have had the good fortune of attending a Cubs game there. Why my comment about the safety of this venue you may ask. Well - it is old - that is one of the great things about it - but they did have a problem this past summer with chunks of concete falling from the upper deck on to area where fans could be seated below and authorities had to take action to repair and place netting in places where that problem happened. A Cubs game was almost postponed by major league baseball at the time until they received assurances that netting was in place in the area where the concrete had fallen and repairs were made. Just like a game here at Toronto's SkyDome had to be postponed when some insulation panels fell into some seat areas. In ALL cases like this in cities like Toronto, Chicago and Montreal authorities FIX THE PROBLEM to make it safe for their citizens. To do otherwise would be the height of irresponsibility. I'm certain authorities in all three cities made the repairs required to make each venue safe. I'm sure that is what they have done in Chicago at Wrigley and at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, and I know that is what they have done here in Toronto at the SkyDome.
Pat
Would you like to place a bet on the Olympic Stadium being used for opening ceremonies? Heck - the OutGames offices are in the stadium complex! I'm not sure what problems your friend in Montreal may be referring to and if any of them are recent problems. I just can't imagine authorities would allow the stadium to be used if there was in fact any kind of threat to the safety of spectators. And they are still using that venue for events such as trade shows, CFL playoff games, and off the wall things like Monster Truck events.
So I would assume authorities feel the venue is safe, just as I am sure authorities in Chicago are certain that Wrigley Field is safe, which is the absolutely wonderful venue Chicago is using for their closing ceremonies. One of baseball's shrines. And I'm thrilled to say I have had the good fortune of attending a Cubs game there. Why my comment about the safety of this venue you may ask. Well - it is old - that is one of the great things about it - but they did have a problem this past summer with chunks of concete falling from the upper deck on to area where fans could be seated below and authorities had to take action to repair and place netting in places where that problem happened. A Cubs game was almost postponed by major league baseball at the time until they received assurances that netting was in place in the area where the concrete had fallen and repairs were made. Just like a game here at Toronto's SkyDome had to be postponed when some insulation panels fell into some seat areas. In ALL cases like this in cities like Toronto, Chicago and Montreal authorities FIX THE PROBLEM to make it safe for their citizens. To do otherwise would be the height of irresponsibility. I'm certain authorities in all three cities made the repairs required to make each venue safe. I'm sure that is what they have done in Chicago at Wrigley and at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, and I know that is what they have done here in Toronto at the SkyDome.
Pat
By the way - late breaking FINA/Montreal news. Dick Pound honourary co-chair of Montreal's organizing committee and senior Canadian IOC member just announced that Montreal now has all the funds required to host the Aquatics championships and is asking FINA to re-consider its decision to pull the championships.
Apparently some other sponsors have stepped up and the city of Montreal is guaranteeing any shortfalls. So I would not be surprised with that being the case that FINA may indeed re-consider since re-instating the event to Montreal would make more sense than trying to find a last minute replacement. Especially since so many nations have already made all the arrangements to have their athletes training in areas close to Montreal just prior to the championship dates.
Pat
Apparently some other sponsors have stepped up and the city of Montreal is guaranteeing any shortfalls. So I would not be surprised with that being the case that FINA may indeed re-consider since re-instating the event to Montreal would make more sense than trying to find a last minute replacement. Especially since so many nations have already made all the arrangements to have their athletes training in areas close to Montreal just prior to the championship dates.
Pat
LOL at TransparentPat, er, TravelPat. We'll put you out in the bleacher seats (highly coveted, by the way) for Closing Ceremony so you don't have to worry about Wrigley collapsing around you. And we'll leave instructions so that, in the tradition of throwing the opposing team's home run balls back onto the field, the fans don't toss you onto the grass.
Hey Kevin:
One of your better lines recently as I did chuckle at Trasparentpat label. I was just trying to make the point that I think this entire stadium safety thing is a red herring and was hoping people would see the irony in the fact that in fact one of the more well known recent stadium safety problem issues was at Wrigley. I really do have no doubt both are completely safe.
And as for a seat at the closing ceremonies - can I request a seat up in one of those bleachers on the roof of one of the buildings across Waveland Avenue. I fear if I was actually anywhere IN WRIGLEY that some FGG poobahs would point me out and then I would need a police escort to get out alive a la Steve Bartman at that Cub playoff game. wink
Pat
One of your better lines recently as I did chuckle at Trasparentpat label. I was just trying to make the point that I think this entire stadium safety thing is a red herring and was hoping people would see the irony in the fact that in fact one of the more well known recent stadium safety problem issues was at Wrigley. I really do have no doubt both are completely safe.
And as for a seat at the closing ceremonies - can I request a seat up in one of those bleachers on the roof of one of the buildings across Waveland Avenue. I fear if I was actually anywhere IN WRIGLEY that some FGG poobahs would point me out and then I would need a police escort to get out alive a la Steve Bartman at that Cub playoff game. wink
Pat
Not worried about being pushed off? The fall from the rooftop is quite a bit further than the fall from the bleachers to the field.
Those rooftop seats, if we have them at all, will be at a significant premium. But with all the money you're making off athletes you're convincing to go to Montreal and using your official travel agency to do so, I'm sure affording the more expensive stuff won't be a problem.
:-) couldn't resist
Kevin
[ January 21, 2005, 01:30 PM: Message edited by: KevinB ]
Those rooftop seats, if we have them at all, will be at a significant premium. But with all the money you're making off athletes you're convincing to go to Montreal and using your official travel agency to do so, I'm sure affording the more expensive stuff won't be a problem.
:-) couldn't resist
Kevin
[ January 21, 2005, 01:30 PM: Message edited by: KevinB ]
Kevin:
Granted, I haven't had my coffee yet, but I re-read the press release ( 3 times) about the partnership between GGVII and Sydney Mardi Gras, and I was totally unable to figure out the gist of the new relationship!!!
I'm obviously missing something. Forgive my blind spot, but other than wishing each other well, and hoping to cross-pollinate participants....
... I didn't get what makes the "new relationship a partnership."
Since its obviously something you are enthusiastic about, could you please spell it out in more detail? Or not "more" detail, but just the ones I missed...
Thanks,
chuck,
Granted, I haven't had my coffee yet, but I re-read the press release ( 3 times) about the partnership between GGVII and Sydney Mardi Gras, and I was totally unable to figure out the gist of the new relationship!!!
I'm obviously missing something. Forgive my blind spot, but other than wishing each other well, and hoping to cross-pollinate participants....
... I didn't get what makes the "new relationship a partnership."
Since its obviously something you are enthusiastic about, could you please spell it out in more detail? Or not "more" detail, but just the ones I missed...
Thanks,
chuck,
Hey Pat,
I'll take you on in regards to that bet. Considering that you owe Charlie for a previous bet, I feel that you go for long odds!
Of course it is ridiculous to think that anything that rises up into the air will nto need constant support to keep it from coming back down - whether it be man or nature made! I guess that is where the "What goes up comes down" concept comes from.
The Montreal Olympic Stadium (sometimes referred to as the Big Owe because of the length of the mortgage!) has long been known to have structural difficulties and has been in the news quite often for such a public building. I can't believe that you put the SkyDome in the same sentence in regards to maintenance issues!!
As Chuck would have us believe, if my friend believes that it is true and therefore has an opinion about it, that is good enough and "Nuff said" - the Olympic Stadium is therefore unsafe. If that isn't enough, there have already been several articles linked to from the old thread that deal with that issue.
Personally I find the realtionship between Montreal OutGames and this ISM group to be more intriguing. Do you know anything about it LA Charlie? It may be that your Greedhead Junta is not as much Tourist dollar based as it is even more specifically a group that will do anything to bring events to Montreal. I thought that the Montreal folks had deep pockets and now I am starting to see where their funds come from. As Gene always says - Follow the Money!!!
Ken
I'll take you on in regards to that bet. Considering that you owe Charlie for a previous bet, I feel that you go for long odds!
Of course it is ridiculous to think that anything that rises up into the air will nto need constant support to keep it from coming back down - whether it be man or nature made! I guess that is where the "What goes up comes down" concept comes from.
The Montreal Olympic Stadium (sometimes referred to as the Big Owe because of the length of the mortgage!) has long been known to have structural difficulties and has been in the news quite often for such a public building. I can't believe that you put the SkyDome in the same sentence in regards to maintenance issues!!
As Chuck would have us believe, if my friend believes that it is true and therefore has an opinion about it, that is good enough and "Nuff said" - the Olympic Stadium is therefore unsafe. If that isn't enough, there have already been several articles linked to from the old thread that deal with that issue.
Personally I find the realtionship between Montreal OutGames and this ISM group to be more intriguing. Do you know anything about it LA Charlie? It may be that your Greedhead Junta is not as much Tourist dollar based as it is even more specifically a group that will do anything to bring events to Montreal. I thought that the Montreal folks had deep pockets and now I am starting to see where their funds come from. As Gene always says - Follow the Money!!!
Ken
Chuck wrote:
" ... I didn't get what makes the new relationship a partnership."
The relationship with Mardi Gras is a reciprocal sponsorship of each other's events. It's a promise to help each other between now and July of 2006 and an acknowledgement of our common goals and mission. The details of who provides what to whom are laid our in our agreement. The agreement is quite detailed, broad-based and involves significant resources on both sides.
If you're interested in some of the details, you're welcome to email me at kgboyer@ix.netcom.com.
Kevin Boyer
Gay Games VII
" ... I didn't get what makes the new relationship a partnership."
The relationship with Mardi Gras is a reciprocal sponsorship of each other's events. It's a promise to help each other between now and July of 2006 and an acknowledgement of our common goals and mission. The details of who provides what to whom are laid our in our agreement. The agreement is quite detailed, broad-based and involves significant resources on both sides.
If you're interested in some of the details, you're welcome to email me at kgboyer@ix.netcom.com.
Kevin Boyer
Gay Games VII
QUOTE
kenmac:
As Chuck would have us believe, if my friend believes that it is true and therefore has an opinion about it, that is good enough and \"Nuff said\" Ken
Ken, if you are going to put words in my mouth, could you at least make an attempt to be gramatically coherent?
As Chuck would have us believe, if my friend believes that it is true and therefore has an opinion about it, that is good enough and \"Nuff said\" Ken
Why is it when I read this thread I feel like cowering in a corner and rock back and forth crying, "Please make the bad people stop?" wink
If you are going to put words in others mouths, I would suggest washing and shaving them first.
Allen, what are you wearing in that corner wink
Allen, what are you wearing in that corner wink
Hi there everyone:
Here is today's press release for your reading enjoyment.
At today's press conference at City Hall in presence of dignataries,partners and media the 1st World Outgames Montreal 2006 also presented and deposited their 3rd Official Annual Report 2004 (on our activities and very good financial and overall situation)
The Annual 2004 Report was made available to the Canadian media in both French and English languages.
>For immediate release
www.montreal2006.org/en_release_24_January_2005.html
The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006: On track with more than 3,000 registered from 80 countries
Montréal, 24 January 2005 – “Eighteen months away from the largest sport and cultural event in Montréal in the next three years, the 1st World Outgames in 2006, we are pleased to announce that registrations have now passed the 3,000 mark,” Ms. Lucie Duguay, Co-President, and Ms. Louise Roy, CEO of Montréal 2006, announced today during a press conference held with the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal and Mr. Michel Prescott, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal.
With already more than 3,000 paid registrations, the future is looking bright for Montréal 2006. Of these, 44% of registrants come from North America, 30% from Europe, 15% from Oceania, 5% from Latin America, 2% from Africa and 4% from Asia.
In presenting its 2004 report, Montréal 2006 organisers provided an update on a year that, despite its challenges, was marked by progress and success, assuring that the Outgames will be held as planned in 2006.
MORE THAN 3,000 PAID REGISTRATIONS AND PRIVATE SPONSORS
“It is important to understand,” explained Ms. Roy, “that Outgames participants assume their own registration costs. That is why 50% of our 16.9 million dollar budget will be generated by participants and visitors, with 28% coming from registration fees, and 22% from ticketing and the sale of promotional products. Unlike other recent sporting events, our games are about participation, open to all, yet sanctioned by experienced national or international governing bodies for each discipline.”
Currently, public funds represent 23% of the budget and sponsorships in cash, goods and services 26%. Fundraising activities make up the remaining 1%.
Sponsorships for Montréal 2006 are currently valued at a total of 12 million dollars, which breaks down as follows: private partners, 4.5 million dollars, or 38% of the total; public partnerships, 3.8 million dollars or 32% of the total; and media partners, with a total of 3.6 million dollars, representing 30% of the total.
SOLID PARTNERSHIPS
“The City of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal,” said Ms.Roy, “have been incredible partners for Montréal 2006 since the beginning. Their support is an amazing added value toward the success of this project.”
The City of Montréal’s commitment will be in the form of indispensable services: the use of the city’s infrastructures, including numerous Olympic facilities.
“The City of Montréal,” said Mr. Michel Prescott, Vice-President of the Executive Committee, “has been working with the Organising Committee for more than four years and the project is progressing as planned. Our infrastructures are there, along with various levels of technical support, including policing, signage and so on. On 29 July 2006, the anniversary of the closing of the 1976 Olympic Games, in an Olympic Stadium filled to capacity, we can all look forward to taking part in the Opening Ceremonies of the Outgames, which are sure to fill every citizen with great pride.”
For its part, Tourisme Montréal has provided not only financial support but has also been an outstanding promoter of the Outgames.
“The international LGBT community, according to our analyses, already has a positive image of Montréal,” said the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. “The rate at which registrations are coming in, eighteen months before the event, is further proof of this. This is also the result of four years of joint efforts between Tourisme Montréal and Montréal 2006, and our work does not stop there. We have already launched our plans for 2005 and we will have a presence in every corner of the world; Montréal 2006 will be a part of more than 200 promotional activities, including festivals, conventions, sport tournaments, and trade shows. Tourisme Montréal will continue to actively support Montréal 2006.”
In addition, both the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada have been actively involved in the Outgames since the beginning. By making financial commitments of one million dollars each to this sporting event, and by opening existing programs to encourage additional participation in the International Conference on rights, these two partners have clearly demonstrated that the LGBT community is an integral part of our society. In survey after survey, the vast majority of the Québec and Canadian population has shown an openness to LGBT issues that goes beyond mere tolerance.
A TRUE INTERNATIONAL FORCE
Following events that led to Montréal 2006’s decision to forge ahead with their event without the “Gay Games” trademark, the international LGBT community immediately rallied behind the idea of creating a new international, democratic, and geographically representative movement open to the population at large: the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA).
Less than one year since its creation, GLISA already has 47 member teams and organisations, which bodes extremely well for the years to come and for the 2nd World Outgames in 2009.
“GLISA entrusted the 1st World Outgames to Montréal 2006,” said Thomas Dolan, Co-President of GLISA, “because we are confident that the Organising Committee is fully capable of delivering an event that will be a positive milestone in the annals of the LGBT sport movement. In just a matter of months, GLISA has positioned itself as a world leader in the development, promotion and support of sport and culture in our community, not only in Western countries where the job is easier, but also building ties on all five continents, even making breakthroughs, for the first time in our history, in Africa and Latin America.
THE ROAD AHEAD IN 2005
“The year before us,” concluded Ms. Roy, “will be dedicated to intensive international promotion with the invaluable support of Tourisme Montréal so that 11 months from now, the number of registrations will allow us to unequivocally state that the Outgames will be an international success on an unprecedented scale. As well, in 2005 we will be setting up our teams of volunteers. We will need the help of over 5,000 volunteers, and we are calling upon Montréalers, with their natural enthusiasm and spirit of hospitality, to join us in welcoming the world to Montréal in 2006.”
The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 Organising Committee is a not-for-profit organisation. The games will be held from 26 July to 5 August 2006 with more than 16,000 participants in the sport, cultural and conference programmes. Thirty-three sports disciplines will be represented during seven days of competitions. Participants from around the world and from over 100 different countries are expected. Opening and Closing ceremonies will cap off the sports competitions, open to all. An international gay sport and cultural “Rendez-Vous” not to be missed!
www.montreal2006.org
Here is today's press release for your reading enjoyment.
At today's press conference at City Hall in presence of dignataries,partners and media the 1st World Outgames Montreal 2006 also presented and deposited their 3rd Official Annual Report 2004 (on our activities and very good financial and overall situation)
The Annual 2004 Report was made available to the Canadian media in both French and English languages.
>For immediate release
www.montreal2006.org/en_release_24_January_2005.html
The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006: On track with more than 3,000 registered from 80 countries
Montréal, 24 January 2005 – “Eighteen months away from the largest sport and cultural event in Montréal in the next three years, the 1st World Outgames in 2006, we are pleased to announce that registrations have now passed the 3,000 mark,” Ms. Lucie Duguay, Co-President, and Ms. Louise Roy, CEO of Montréal 2006, announced today during a press conference held with the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal and Mr. Michel Prescott, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal.
With already more than 3,000 paid registrations, the future is looking bright for Montréal 2006. Of these, 44% of registrants come from North America, 30% from Europe, 15% from Oceania, 5% from Latin America, 2% from Africa and 4% from Asia.
In presenting its 2004 report, Montréal 2006 organisers provided an update on a year that, despite its challenges, was marked by progress and success, assuring that the Outgames will be held as planned in 2006.
MORE THAN 3,000 PAID REGISTRATIONS AND PRIVATE SPONSORS
“It is important to understand,” explained Ms. Roy, “that Outgames participants assume their own registration costs. That is why 50% of our 16.9 million dollar budget will be generated by participants and visitors, with 28% coming from registration fees, and 22% from ticketing and the sale of promotional products. Unlike other recent sporting events, our games are about participation, open to all, yet sanctioned by experienced national or international governing bodies for each discipline.”
Currently, public funds represent 23% of the budget and sponsorships in cash, goods and services 26%. Fundraising activities make up the remaining 1%.
Sponsorships for Montréal 2006 are currently valued at a total of 12 million dollars, which breaks down as follows: private partners, 4.5 million dollars, or 38% of the total; public partnerships, 3.8 million dollars or 32% of the total; and media partners, with a total of 3.6 million dollars, representing 30% of the total.
SOLID PARTNERSHIPS
“The City of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal,” said Ms.Roy, “have been incredible partners for Montréal 2006 since the beginning. Their support is an amazing added value toward the success of this project.”
The City of Montréal’s commitment will be in the form of indispensable services: the use of the city’s infrastructures, including numerous Olympic facilities.
“The City of Montréal,” said Mr. Michel Prescott, Vice-President of the Executive Committee, “has been working with the Organising Committee for more than four years and the project is progressing as planned. Our infrastructures are there, along with various levels of technical support, including policing, signage and so on. On 29 July 2006, the anniversary of the closing of the 1976 Olympic Games, in an Olympic Stadium filled to capacity, we can all look forward to taking part in the Opening Ceremonies of the Outgames, which are sure to fill every citizen with great pride.”
For its part, Tourisme Montréal has provided not only financial support but has also been an outstanding promoter of the Outgames.
“The international LGBT community, according to our analyses, already has a positive image of Montréal,” said the Honourable Charles Lapointe, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. “The rate at which registrations are coming in, eighteen months before the event, is further proof of this. This is also the result of four years of joint efforts between Tourisme Montréal and Montréal 2006, and our work does not stop there. We have already launched our plans for 2005 and we will have a presence in every corner of the world; Montréal 2006 will be a part of more than 200 promotional activities, including festivals, conventions, sport tournaments, and trade shows. Tourisme Montréal will continue to actively support Montréal 2006.”
In addition, both the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada have been actively involved in the Outgames since the beginning. By making financial commitments of one million dollars each to this sporting event, and by opening existing programs to encourage additional participation in the International Conference on rights, these two partners have clearly demonstrated that the LGBT community is an integral part of our society. In survey after survey, the vast majority of the Québec and Canadian population has shown an openness to LGBT issues that goes beyond mere tolerance.
A TRUE INTERNATIONAL FORCE
Following events that led to Montréal 2006’s decision to forge ahead with their event without the “Gay Games” trademark, the international LGBT community immediately rallied behind the idea of creating a new international, democratic, and geographically representative movement open to the population at large: the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA).
Less than one year since its creation, GLISA already has 47 member teams and organisations, which bodes extremely well for the years to come and for the 2nd World Outgames in 2009.
“GLISA entrusted the 1st World Outgames to Montréal 2006,” said Thomas Dolan, Co-President of GLISA, “because we are confident that the Organising Committee is fully capable of delivering an event that will be a positive milestone in the annals of the LGBT sport movement. In just a matter of months, GLISA has positioned itself as a world leader in the development, promotion and support of sport and culture in our community, not only in Western countries where the job is easier, but also building ties on all five continents, even making breakthroughs, for the first time in our history, in Africa and Latin America.
THE ROAD AHEAD IN 2005
“The year before us,” concluded Ms. Roy, “will be dedicated to intensive international promotion with the invaluable support of Tourisme Montréal so that 11 months from now, the number of registrations will allow us to unequivocally state that the Outgames will be an international success on an unprecedented scale. As well, in 2005 we will be setting up our teams of volunteers. We will need the help of over 5,000 volunteers, and we are calling upon Montréalers, with their natural enthusiasm and spirit of hospitality, to join us in welcoming the world to Montréal in 2006.”
The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 Organising Committee is a not-for-profit organisation. The games will be held from 26 July to 5 August 2006 with more than 16,000 participants in the sport, cultural and conference programmes. Thirty-three sports disciplines will be represented during seven days of competitions. Participants from around the world and from over 100 different countries are expected. Opening and Closing ceremonies will cap off the sports competitions, open to all. An international gay sport and cultural “Rendez-Vous” not to be missed!
www.montreal2006.org
Hey, I've got a thought. If either of the groups here have a press release, or any other large news item they want to share with everyone, why not just post a link to it and let us click on it to read it, rather than post the entire article? That's the beauty of the WorldWideWeb - we can link to articles without cutting and pasting and taking up all this space.
QUOTE
Weaselman:
- we can link to articles without cutting and pasting and taking up all this space.
This means that you are asking Tomski to remain silent, cause cutting and pasting montreal2006 propaganda is what he knows best. - we can link to articles without cutting and pasting and taking up all this space.
Mark
Weaselman, then we would have to start suggesting limitations on the quote feature also. You know, when someone quotes someone who posted immediately before them or on the same page. Often the quote is much more than putting a phrase in context.
We need a smiley for "Sorry my eyes have glassed over from reading all your dreck".
We need a smiley for "Sorry my eyes have glassed over from reading all your dreck".
Nothing against Canada or Montreal by the way. It would be nice to get out of the country for a bit.
Does anyone that reads this think that GLISA was around before the Montreal 2006 people? It sure seems like that is what he is saying doesn't it?
“GLISA entrusted the 1st World Outgames to Montréal 2006,” said Thomas Dolan, Co-President of GLISA
As if the GLISA bunch were not put together by the Montreal bunch to justify the existence of the Montreal bunch! Confused yet? Wait till the next episode of SOAP!
Ken
“GLISA entrusted the 1st World Outgames to Montréal 2006,” said Thomas Dolan, Co-President of GLISA
As if the GLISA bunch were not put together by the Montreal bunch to justify the existence of the Montreal bunch! Confused yet? Wait till the next episode of SOAP!
Ken
QUOTE
Weaselman:
Hey, I've got a thought. If either of the groups here have a press release, or any other large news item they want to share with everyone, why not just post a link to it and let us click on it to read it, rather than post the entire article? That's the beauty of the WorldWideWeb - we can link to articles without cutting and pasting and taking up all this space.
In fact, the Federation has lately adopted an even less intrusive procedure. We send our press releases to Outsports (together with hundreds of other media), as Outsports has created a webpage (http://www.outsports.com/local/sportsmovement/releases.htm) where these releases are posted.Hey, I've got a thought. If either of the groups here have a press release, or any other large news item they want to share with everyone, why not just post a link to it and let us click on it to read it, rather than post the entire article? That's the beauty of the WorldWideWeb - we can link to articles without cutting and pasting and taking up all this space.
However, we issued a couple of press releases with important information for the community on Jan 18 and on Jan 19, respectively, and since they have not made it to the Outsports releases page and since they contain information that may become soon obsolete, I decided to follow Weaselman's suggestion and post here the link where you can download them. You can access them from the frontpage of the Federation's website :
www.gaygames.org
Look for :
1. Press release regarding the Gay Games VIII bidding process (thanks to Philippe Lischke for posting the link to this press release in another thread), and
2. Press release regarding the open conference "Building Bridges for the Future of LGBT Sports".
A reminder that the conference is open to all the members of the LGBT Sport community who are interested in discussing the future of the LGBT sport movement after 2006.
Roberto Mantaci,
Male Co-President,
the international Federation of Gay Games
[ January 25, 2005, 04:45 AM: Message edited by: Roberto Mantaci ]
I may have missed this in a previous post, but what are the bidding cities for OutGames 2? When do they announce the winner?
Hey CHIAthlete -
GLISA is accepting letters of intent to bid until March 25. Bid documents must then be in by May 6 and the winner will be announced Sept. 2.
Pat
GLISA is accepting letters of intent to bid until March 25. Bid documents must then be in by May 6 and the winner will be announced Sept. 2.
Pat
Got HBO? Tonight's "Real Sports" with Bryant Gumbel will feature Esera Tuaolo, the openly gay former NFL lineman (mostly with Minnesota, Green Bay, Super Bowl with Atlanta). The show is on HBO Real Sports network at 10 pm Eastern. Other playdates are announced on Esera's website.
I met Esera this past summer when he was in Chicago for pride and just after he'd decided to accept the invitation to become a Gay Games Ambassador. I sat next to him at a casual group dinner we had with his partner Mitchell and a bunch of Gay Games sports people a few blocks from my house. He couldn't have been nicer, more genuine, more down to earth - an incredible spokesperson. I had the pleasure of helping HBO a bit with some resources for this segment - can't wait to see it!!
Kevin
[ January 25, 2005, 11:45 AM: Message edited by: KevinB ]
I met Esera this past summer when he was in Chicago for pride and just after he'd decided to accept the invitation to become a Gay Games Ambassador. I sat next to him at a casual group dinner we had with his partner Mitchell and a bunch of Gay Games sports people a few blocks from my house. He couldn't have been nicer, more genuine, more down to earth - an incredible spokesperson. I had the pleasure of helping HBO a bit with some resources for this segment - can't wait to see it!!
Kevin
[ January 25, 2005, 11:45 AM: Message edited by: KevinB ]
Kevin,
I never knew you were a name-dropper!!
Ken
I never knew you were a name-dropper!!
Ken
Seriously Kevin (but you can drop my name anywhere if it will help you ;-) )
I heard from a friend of mine that got to see the program that they did a great job and they even mentioned that he was a Gay Games Ambassador and would be in Chicago next year.
Sounds like a great step for GLBT sporting persons to have such profiles out there for all to see.
Ken
I heard from a friend of mine that got to see the program that they did a great job and they even mentioned that he was a Gay Games Ambassador and would be in Chicago next year.
Sounds like a great step for GLBT sporting persons to have such profiles out there for all to see.
Ken
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