BREAKING: Gay Games Developments Coming Rapid-Fire Today Print E-mail
Friday, 16 July 2010 12:16

 

Updated with statement from Cleveland Synergy Foundation.

 

 

The Gay Games WILL be coming to Cleveland in 2014, say two people with knowledge of ongoing developments.

This amid two stories stirring up the Internet: one out of Boston that claims the initial judging of bids was wonky, another that reports on rumors of a shakeup in management. (This week’s Gay People’s Chronicle discusses those rumors, as well.)

Other gossip out there? That someone is trying to steal the event for the losing bidders, Boston and Washington, D.C.

Here’s what we know, even as developments are continuing (with perhaps more to come today):

Kelly Stevens, officer of communications for the Federation of Gay Games, said this in a Spangle interview this morning: “I can say that we look forward to the Gay Games in Cleveland.”

 

Beyond that, he’s unable to comment at this time.

We also spoke to Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, longtime ally of the LGBT community who supported the bid by traveling to Cologne and getting legislation passed to authorize funding for the Cleveland Synergy Foundation, local organizers of the games.

“My understanding is that there was a meeting with the Federation of Gay Games and with the city of Cleveland to assure Cleveland it would continue to be the site of the Gay Games,” Cimperman said.

The councilman called together a group of LGBT leaders and allies to City Hall on Wednesday to discuss the games, dispel rumors and provide assurance the city was still supporting the event. Among those in attendance were Jan Cline and Mary Zaller of the LGBT Community Center; Lakewood Councilwoman Nickie Antonio; Plexus’ Eric Lutzo; Ted Wammes; and Spangler John Farina, who also is part of the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats. (The meeting was off-the-record.)

“With all the rumors, we needed to let people know that we’re going to fight for the games,” he said. “… What happens between Synergy and the federation is between them. I have the utmost respect for [Synergy representatives] Doug [Anderson] and Jeff [Axberg] and Brian [Tavolier] and Michael [Readinger].”

Cimperman told Spangle this morning that a conversation was held recently between the federation and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission about the commission taking a larger role in the planning of the games. The councilman assured Spangle that David Gilbert, president and CEO of the commission, is a strong ally of the LGBT community. (We’ve left a message for Gilbert seeking comment.)

“Players can come and go,” Cimperman said. “But this is a movement that’s come to city and we’re going to hold on to it.”

That “movement” is what the councilman hopes will finally help repeal Issue 1, the heinous measure that banned same-sex marriage in Ohio in 2004.

“We believe very much in the spirit of the Gay Games and what they can do,” he told us. Cimperman has said the marriage-ban repeal is his No. 1 priority.

“A funny thing happens sometimes when people think something’s being taken from them,” Cimperman said about rumors the Gay Games will move elsewhere. “And while that’s not happening, I hope people will feel more committed and more obligated to bringing the games in 2014.”

We’ve reached out to numerous members of the Cleveland Synergy Foundation. Michael Readinger, president of the Synergy Council, had no comment last Friday, July 9. We left a message for him this morning, as well as for Brian Tavolier.

We did reach Jeff Axberg, director of communications for Synergy. He wouldn’t comment this morning, but did indicate a statement was forthcoming.

We’ll bring it to you as soon as we have it.

 


Update: The July 16 statement from the Cleveland Synergy Foundation:

 

There have been several erroneous reports regarding discussions between the Federation of Gay Games and the Cleveland Synergy Foundation surrounding the future of the 2014 Gay Games here in Cleveland.

We continue to collaborate with the Federation to ensure the best outcome for the 2014 Gay Games, as envisioned by our organization.

We are committed to our role as the hosts of the 2014 Gay Games, and we appreciate the unwavering support of the City of Cleveland, City of Akron, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Positively Cleveland as our partners in this athletic and cultural endeavor.

We respect the Federation for not only awarding us the opportunity to host the Games, but for continuing to guide us throughout this process with integrity and transparency.

We are excited for our colleagues in Cologne as they embark on the next Gay Games, and we look forward to welcoming the world to Cleveland + Akron in 2014.

 

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