There was, initially, interest from 14 cities to host the 2014 Gay Games. Four of them actually expressed interest in sending in letters of intent to bid, and three did: Cleveland, Boston and Washington, D.C.
The winner will be announced Sept. 29 in Cologne, site of the 2010 Games.
The Federation of Gay Games ( FGG ) received three very strong bids, according to Kurt Dahl, the FGG male co-president and vice president of host relations. "The voters will determine which bid is best for the Gay Games movement," he said. Each FGG board member has one vote and each full member organization of the general assembly has two votes. The winning city is scheduled to be announced at 6:30 p.m. Cologne time.
"It is very exciting [ period now in the LGBT sporting community ] ," said Dahl, 48, who lives in Joliet. "We have three very good bids that have been submitted and so we within the FGG are looking forward to some great presentations. The general assembly has been heavily involved in reviewing the bid and asking follow-up questions. A great deal of work has gone into the process and I can't wait till we are able to announce the winning city."
Then the spotlight truly shines on Cologne, which must follow the successful 2006 Games held in Chicago and do so in the worst worldwide economy in decades.
"The crisis has an effect on sponsor deals as many potential sponsors are holding back at the moment," Dahl said. "However, as more people register and we can show the sponsors the benefits that GGVIII [ Games Cologne ] and the FGG can provide, we will start to see sponsors signing on. As far as participants are concerned, the registrations numbers are on target. We believe strongly that the FGG and Gay Games have a lot to offer to sponsors around the world. The thousands of participants and spectators since 1982 are a very loyal population and would support any sponsor tenfold.
"Cologne is a great and welcoming city. The people that are working on GGVIII have done a great job thus far and are working hard to put on a fantastic Gay Games. I love being in Cologne and look forward to spending time in Cologne in September for the FGG annual meeting and then again next year for GGVIII."
Dahl is now in his first year of a two-year term on the FGG board. He ran for the vice-president position and won. Then, last January, the co-president resigned and he was appointed acting co-president until the next meeting of the general assembly which starts Sept. 27.
The female co-president is Emy Ritt. The two serve as the liaisons between the FGG and the host of Gay Games VIII, which has the responsibility for hosting the games. "I meet periodically with Games Cologne personnel, to ensure the games are [ on ] track and [ to ] address any issues," said Dahl, who is the Vice President & Senior Risk Manager for Harris NA ( Harris Bank ) .
Dahl's partner is Jeff Clark.
Windy City Times: What does it mean to you to be a part of the FGG, especially since the Gay Games mean so much to so many?
Kurt Dahl: For me it is an honor to be affiliated with the FGG and the Gay Games movement and legacy. When I first volunteered to help Chicago in its bid for GGVII, I had no idea that I would some day be the Co-President of the FGG. I truly feel honored.
WCT: What do the Gay Games mean to you?
KURT DAHL: To me the Gay Games mean being able to break down barriers and allowing me to be who I am. The Gay Games allow me to do my personal best, knowing that I have the support of everyone participating in the Games.
WCT: Which Gay Games have you participated in, and in which sports?
KURT DAHL: Gay Games VII in Chicago in 2006, and I participated in swimming and softball.
WCT: What was your role/responsibility in 2006?
KURT DAHL: I was the treasurer and on the Board of Chicago Games, Inc., the host organization of GGVII. I was the one signing the checks and making sure the ticket money was locked up safe and sound each evening. I also was busy delivering ice to the venues and a whole host of other duties during that hectic, but fun-filled week."
WCT: What was your favorite 2006 Gay Games memory?
KURT DAHL: [ It was ] the Closing Ceremonies, when I watched the FGG flag handed off to the Cologne team. I cried like a baby [ at ] what we all had accomplished in those few short years.
WCT: What did the FGG and/or Cologne 2010 learn from the 2009 World Outgames?
KURT DAHL: We are still analyzing the results and are waiting for the final report to be issued. As always, every event must be ready to adapt in the face of unexpected challenges, such as the recent worldwide financial crisis.
WCT: Given the bitter feelings between Gay Games and the Outgames in 2006, were you surprised the two organizations are now so friendly?
KURT DAHL: Both organizations are listening to the community's request for one quadrennial international sport and culture event.
WCT: So, do you think the Gay Games and the Outgames ever will merge?
KURT DAHL: Both organizations are listening to the community's request for one quadrennial international sport and culture event.
WCT: Give me one prediction about Cologne 2010.
KURT DAHL: The people attending GGVIII and Cologne will be blown away by what Cologne will have to offer. I also am predicting that my husband's softball team will take gold in their division.
More about Kurt Dahl:
—Hobbies: Reading and traveling with Jeff
—College: DePaul University ( 1983, Bachelor' Degree in accounting; 1993, Master's in finance )
—Little-known facts: "I have two children ( from my first marriage ) : Andrew, 23, and Ashley, 19," Dahl said. "And, I have been in banking for 32 years."
