Despite a change of host organizing committees for Gay Games IX, set for the summer of 2014 in Cleveland, officials from the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) said they "have no concerns" that the quadrennial event will be exceptional.
"There is a great deal of work to be done between now and 2014, and the FGG and CSEC are prepared to work together to make this a success," said Kurt Dahl, FGG co-president. Dahl also served as treasurer of Chicago's Gay Games VII board of directors.
CSEC is the Cleveland Special Events Corporation, the new/current local organizing committee for the 2014 Games. The Cleveland Synergy Foundation won the bid to run the 2014 Games, but FGG revoked its license with the Synergy Foundation last summerand then awarded the Games to CSEC.
"I am impressed with the passion and the drive of the people involved with [CSEC]," Dahl said. "They understand the fact that the Gay Games can and will change the world, especially in Northeast Ohio."
So why sign with CSEC?
"CSEC fulfilled the requirements that were prescribed by the FGG and were willing and able to take over the license agreement. In addition, they have the full backing and support of the cities of Cleveland and Akron," Dahl said. "FGG has always remained committed to Cleveland [and nearby] Akron, with the full support of the city governments."
Dahl said the strength of the CSEC starts with the fact that the organization represents the entire Cleveland-Akron community, with support from the major LGBT organizations, and also includes people that were involved in the original bid process.
Plus, CSEC boasts city support, sports knowledge, a belief in the mission of the Gay Games, and support of the local LGBT community and the local business community.
Dahl said there was not a chance that the 2014 Games would be moved out of Cleveland after the split with the Synergy Foundation"unless we were unable to find an appropriate non-profit organization with the full backing of the cities of Cleveland and Akron to take over the license agreement," he said.
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson is the chairman for the CSEC board of directorsa significant matter to FGG officials, which clearly shows "how far the Gay Games movement has come in the past 25 years and how city and state leaders understand the importance of hosting a Gay Games," Dahl said.
CSEC also includes numerous, high-ranking officials and board members who are straight.
"The Gay Games' core principles are participation, inclusion and personal best," Dahl said. "Therefore, given that inclusion is a fundamental aspect of the underlying principles, having a mix of qualified people on the board, including straight people, adheres to the [FGG] principles. Again, it shows how far the Gay Games movement has come in the past 25 years. The people on the board understand the mission of the Gay Games and support this mission."
When asked why the Cleveland Synergy Group was removed, Dahl replied: "No comment." He also had "no comment" about what was the straw that sent FGG on a mission to oust the Synergy Foundation. FGG officials are likely limited in what they can say due to pending litigation.
"Gay Games IX is the first implementation of a new business model between the FGG and the host organization. CSEC is a strong partner and we look forward to working together with our new partner," Dahl said.
And what about the rumors that the Synergy Foundation will hold its own Gay Games-like event in 2014 in Cleveland, much like the Outgames were in Montreal in 2006, opposite Chicago's official Gay Games? Dahl was unable to comment.