Dave Kopay, the former U.S. professional football player who in 1975 became an LGBT icon with a closet-busting interview in the Washington Star, has become the latest Gay Games Ambassador, the international Federation of Gay Games [ FGG ] announced.
Gay Games VII takes place in Chicago from July 15-22, 2006.
'When I came out 30 years ago, the idea of something called 'gay and lesbian' sports was unimaginable,' Kopay said. 'The Gay Games is directly responsible for inspiring people to stay or become active in sports, encouraging them not to let homophobia get in the way of expressing their love and enjoyment of athletic competitions.'
Since his initial 1975 coming-out interview, Kopay has been an outspoken advocate for gay rights. Two years later, he co-authored The Dave Kopay Story with Perry Deane Young, a book that topped The New York Times bestseller list for weeks and is still so popular it will soon see its fifth printing.
'I'm excited and committed to helping the Federation of Gay Games promote its goals of 'Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best' because I've seen first-hand how the Gay Games experience changes lives,' he said. Kopay participated in New York's Gay Games IV in 1994 by presenting the athletes' oath during the opening ceremony and serving as a judge in the physique competition.
'There is no athlete more prominent for speaking out on behalf of the gay community during the 1970's than Dave Kopay,' said Roberto Mantaci, co-president of the FGG. 'When he took the bold step to be the first to talk openly about being gay and how that affected his career in the National Football League, he became a role model for all of us looking to be honest about our lives. We are privileged that he is joining the Gay Games Ambassadors.'
Kopay said, 'I was born in Chicago and for that reason was particularly pleased to be asked to be the 'Honoured Guest' in Chicago's annual gay pride parade a few years ago. I'm equally honoured to become a Gay Games Ambassador right before such a great city hosts the Gay Games.'
Kopay had a 10-year career in the National Football League as a running back and special teams member for several teams. Kopay retired in 1973. After considerable thought, he decided to come out.
See www.gaygames.com .