Honoring and recognizing Team Philadelphia on their participation and dominance in the Federation of Gay Games 9 which took place in Cleveland/Akron, Ohio August 9, 2014 through August 16, 2014.

WHEREAS, The Federation of Gay Games is an organization of international sports organizations functioning throughout the world of which Team Philadelphia is a Full Member which entitles it to contribute to the direction, management, and participation in the Gay Games which are held every four years; and

WHEREAS, The Gay Games are the largest sport and culture event in the world open to all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political belief(s), athletic/artistic ability, physical challenge, age, or health status. The Gay Games are built upon the principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best, since 1982 the Gay Games have empowered thousands of LGBT athletes and artists through sport, culture and fellowship. The Gay Games were conceived in 1980 by Dr. Tom Waddell, a member of the US Olympic Team who competed in track and field events at the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games; and

WHEREAS, Since Gay Games I in 1982, the Gay Games have been hosted in seven cities in five countries on three continents: San Francisco, Vancouver, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney, Chicago, Cologne, and Cleveland/Akron; and

WHEREAS, With more than 1200 athletes participating in 12 sports programs, collectively, Team Philadelphia is the largest adult sports and recreation program in the Philadelphia region; and

WHEREAS, Collectively Team Philadelphia had more athletes and won more medals than ever before in its 36 year history at the Gay Games, competing in 11 sports. Team Philadelphia athletes brought home 50 Gold, 11 Silver, 9 Bronze Medals and 4 Rodeo Ribbons. The team events were highlighted with three Softball Divisions Gold Medals: Mixed Men and Women, all Men and all Women. Although they did not finish in the medal round, the Soccer Team was the highest scoring team and had the individual with the highest number of goals scored; and

WHEREAS, Team Philadelphia is already looking forward to competing in the next Gay Games which will be held in Paris, France in 2018; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and recognize Team Philadelphia for their participation in the Federation of Gay Games 9.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Team Philadelphia, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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