2002 Gay Games
The Gay Games is the world's largest sporting and cultural event organized by, and specifically for, LGBT athletes, artists and musicians. Participants of every sexual orientation and skill level compete. Originally called the Gay Olympics, it was started in the United States in San Francisco, California, in 1982, as the brainchild of Tom Waddell, whose goals were to promote the spirit of inclusion and participation, as well as to promote the pursuit of personal growth in a sporting event. It retains similarities with the Olympics, including the Gay Games flame which is lit at the opening ceremony.
The games are open to all who wish to participate, without regard to sexual orientation and there are no qualifying standards. Competitors from many counties, including those where homosexuality remains illegal and hidden.
The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) is the sanctioning body of the Gay Games. From its statement of concept and purpose:
| “ | The purpose of the Federation of Gay Games is to foster and augment the self-respect of lesbians and gay men throughout the world and to engender respect and understanding from the nongay world, primarily through an organized international participatory athletic and cultural event held every four years, and commonly known as the Gay Games. | ” |
Read more about 2002 Gay Games: Host Nations and Cities, See Also
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