2011 will mark the first time that Gay Games have been held in Africa. Built upon the Priniciples of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best, for more that 25 years the Gay Games have empowered tens of thousands of LGBTI artists and athletes through fellowship and friendly competition.
Kenya of course, is world renowned for its athletes particularly in long distance running among other disciplines. I believe at the 2011 games, there are high hopes that Kenyans will make a very impressive showing. But that takes preparation, that is why at Galck, through the member organizations we would like to begin the process of facilitating this preparation and trainings.
As a first step, the participants in the various disciplines need to come out, form the various training teams e.t.c. There is a standing committee working on this, but people are yet to come out. Our friends from Eldoret, while we understand that the social/cultural environment is harsh, we are also aware of your immense potential. Do get in contact with the Galck officials for more details.
A Brief Background
In 1980, Dr. Tom Waddell, a 1968 Olympic decathlete, led a group of San Francisco residents including Mark Brown and Paul Mart in conceiving the event now known as the Gay Games. Tom dreamed of a sporting event based on the philosophy that "doing one's personal best should be the paramount goal in any athletic endeavor."
San Francisco Arts & Athletics (SFAA) was incorporated and supervised the logistics of both Gay Games I and II. Tom Waddell lost his battle with AIDS and died in July 1987, less than a year after Gay Games II, but his legacy was assured as the inspiration for future Gay Games. The SFAA board of directors, which included Tom's widow Sara Waddell Lewinstein, took steps to enlarge its membership beyond the Bay Area and in 1989 changed its name to the Federation of Gay Games.
I am not sure whether the Africa is represented at the Federation but, just come and let us celebrate our lives through sports!
