The landmark queer sport event will be showcased in Sydney for the first time in 14 years, and is looking for lesbians!
In 2014, Kate Rowe and Paul White submitted a proposal to the Federation of Gay Games to host the 2016 annual meeting. The meeting travels to a different city each year, and Kate felt it was about time that the Federation visited Sydney again after a fourteen year absence. Her vision was to showcase Sydney to the international delegates, engage with the local community and promote Paris 2018, the next city to host the games. Kate and Paul's proposal was accepted in October 2015 and they are now very busy organising and coordinating the event.
Kate particularly hopes she can encourage lesbian athletes in particular to participate in the event as well as think about travelling to Paris in 2018.
The meeting will be held at the host hotel Rydges Central in Albion Street Surry Hills from 20-25 October. Friday and Tuesday are for the FGG board and the assembly is Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Anyone can attend the assembly as observers and registrations open on 27 July.
Kate is excited to announce several initiatives as part of this event. Friday 21 October sees a reception for the delegates and invited guests from Team Sydney clubs, hosted by the City of Sydney.
An exhibition ‘Australia and the Gay Games’ will be held in the foyer of the hotel throughout the assembly. Funded by ACON and put together by the Australian Gay and Lesbian Archives in Melbourne, this will be of interest not only to the delegates but our local community
The assembly will be preceded by a welcome to county and didgeridoo performance.
On Saturday 22 October, there will be the traditional 'Memorial Moment' to remember all those within the broad FGG family who have died of HIV/AIDS or cancer.
Sunday 23 October will see an open invitation to the local community to attend a presentation on the latest information from the representatives of Paris 2018 who are travelling to Sydney to attend the annual meeting
The meeting will finish with a special ticketed Team Sydney Gala Dinner Fundraiser to be held at the hotel. The night will be MC’d by Julie McCrossin, include a performance by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir and a talk from the very special guest, the Hon Michael Kirby. Some of you may remember the spine chilling speech Michael gave at the 2002 Sydney Gay Games.
All funds raised will go towards scholarships for Team Sydney Club members who would otherwise not afford to experience the magic of the Gay Games, to participate in Paris.
Part of the tradition is the presentation of ‘Legacy Awards’ to local individuals and organisations that have contributed to the legacy of Gay and Lesbian in sport. Several individuals and clubs have been nominated including the Flying Bats Lesbian Soccer Club.
Registration for the Paris games is already open and already over a thousand have registered. Register now
Tickets for the dinner are limited and will go on sale on July 27th at a cost of $120.
Kate wants to get a good turnout of lesbians to the dinner. If you are interested in the dinner, please contact Kate by emailing [email protected]
