Our AGA
The FGG’s 2026 Annual General Assembly (AGA) was held online on Saturday 17 October, 2026.
After the excitement of this year's Gay Games XII València 2026, we held our AGA online in a one-day event, packed with presentations and discussions about both the last Gay Games and the one to come in Perth, Australia 2030.
Our AGA featured:
An introduction to the nominated candidates for the FGG Board of Directors
Approval of the Annual Report 2025/26
A presentation of the 2025/26 Financial Report and approval of our budget for 2026/27
A presentation by team behind Gay Games XIII Perth, Australia 2030
A time to share feedback and suggestions from Gay Games XII València 2026
Confirmation of location of AGA 2027
The vote for adding new Honorary Life Members
Bylaw amendment discussion
and finally the Board election results
From Valencia to Perth: keeping the Gay Games spirit alive
More than 10,000 participants, 130 nationalities and a shared belief in the power of participation: the legacy of Valencia 2026 provided an inspiring starting point for the Federation of Gay Games’ Annual General Assembly. Meeting virtually on 17 October, delegates, member organisations and Federation leaders celebrated what our community has achieved and advanced the work that will carry that spirit towards Perth 2030.
Throughout the Assembly, one theme connected the host city presentations, elections and community updates: the Gay Games thrive through years of dedication, partnership and practical action. That work continues long after the closing ceremony.
Celebrating Valencia’s legacy
Valencia’s organisers returned to the Assembly with a heartfelt reflection on an event that brought together 10,289 participants. Across eight days, the programme encompassed 39 competitive sports, two local exhibition sports and approximately 60 venues, alongside 11 cultural and social events.
Among the most powerful figures was the participation of 290 people aged 70 or over. Their presence captured the enduring promise of the Gay Games: opportunities to take part, pursue a personal best and find community at every stage of life.
Culture brought that same spirit into concert halls, public squares and gathering places across Valencia. Choirs, bands, cheerleaders and performers created opportunities for connection and celebration, making LGBTQ+ lives and creativity visible throughout the city.
Behind those moments stood years of preparation and an extraordinary collective effort. Twenty-one sports federations, local clubs, officials and technical teams helped deliver the sporting programme, supported by 350 sports volunteers and around 200 more volunteers working across accreditation, culture and other activities. The Assembly recognised their commitment, including the countless problems solved by people whose work rarely appears in the photographs.
Valencia’s team also acknowledged the challenges of delivering an event of this scale and offered to share its experience with Perth. A fuller report will follow at the 2027 Assembly, while participant survey findings will be explored in a dedicated session with time for questions. Celebrating the Games and learning from them are both essential parts of building their legacy.
Perth 2030 takes shape
With the next Gay Games confirmed for 9–16 March 2030, Perth’s presentation showed that preparations are already moving forward.
The organising team is building relationships with government, sporting bodies, cultural organisations and international partners. Early venue planning includes grouping activities into hubs to make travel easier and help participants enjoy more of the Games together.
Feedback gathered in Valencia is helping shape that work. Participants highlighted the importance of a central social hub, clear information, earlier schedules and convenient transport. Access to shade, water and toilets also featured prominently, alongside interest in an official Games app. These priorities are informing planning while there is still time to build them into the experience.
Perth is also collaborating with the organisers of the World Police and Fire Games and World Masters Games, both taking place in the city before 2030. Sharing knowledge about venues, volunteers, transport and operations offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen delivery.
Culture and inclusion are central to the developing plans. The team outlined early engagement with local performers and international cultural groups, alongside a scholarship focus on Southeast Asia, Pacific neighbours and First Nations communities. Registration is currently planned to open in early 2028.
Opening doors to participation
The Assembly heard that 89 scholarship recipients were supported at Valencia, demonstrating the difference that fundraising and donor generosity can make.
Delegates discussed how to strengthen that support in future, including a proposal for a regular Federation contribution to the scholarship fund. The discussion reinforced the importance of sustained fundraising to make participation possible for more people.
The Pride Cheerleading Association also shared news of donations arising from its Valencia fundraising, supporting both a local organisation and the FGG scholarship programme. It was a welcome example of the Games’ impact continuing beyond the event itself.
Recognising service and strengthening our organisation
The Assembly approved honorary life membership for Viv Downey-Woodcock and Sean Fitzgerald, recognising their substantial contributions to the Federation and the wider movement. Tributes highlighted work spanning governance, host relations, sport and equity, reflecting the lasting difference committed individuals can make.
Delegates re-elected Jan Schneider as Co-President, Austin Manning as Director of Host City Selection and Duncan Campbell as Director of Global Engagement, and elected Laurie Butterley as Director of Gay Games Quality. Recruitment will follow for the vacant Director of Development role.
The financial report and budget were approved, supporting continued planning across the four-year Games cycle. Work is also under way to improve members’ access to policies, bylaws and meeting minutes, alongside plans to build communications and marketing capacity for international outreach.
Discussion of a proposal to guarantee virtual participation at future Assemblies highlighted the importance of accessible involvement. The amendment fell short of the required two-thirds majority and will return to the governance committee for further review.
A community that keeps moving
Member updates brought the wider movement into view, from preparations for the IGLA Championships in Montreal and future GALA Choruses gatherings to Pride Bands Alliance’s planned Rose Parade appearance. These activities sustain the friendships, visibility and opportunities that connect our community between Games.
Auckland, New Zealand, will host the 2027 Annual General Assembly, with dates to be announced.
As we carry Valencia’s memories forward and help Perth prepare to welcome the world, our purpose remains clear: to create more opportunities for participation, inclusion and personal best. Every volunteer shift, partnership, donation and hour of preparation helps keep that promise alive.
Key Documents
FGG AGA 2026 ANNUAL REPORT
BYLAW AMENDMENTS FOR DEBATE
Practically Allowing Real-Time Inclusive Collaboration at In Person Assemblies Through Electronics
Carr Phillips - IGLA Delegate
HLM NOMINATIONS
FGG AGA 2025 MINUTES
📃 Minutes
Each year we document the work of the FGG to demonstrate, with complete transparency, how we use our resources to benefit the LGBTQ+ sports and culture community.
Tap to read the report
Board Applications
📄 Co-President
The as Chief Executive Officers of the Federation and, on behalf of the Board, supervise the affairs of the Federation.
Jan Schneider
Jan joined the Gay Games movement in 2014 at Gay Games IX in Cleveland/Akron, running his first half marathon. Inspired by the transformative power of the event, he became a delegate for Vorspiel SSL Berlin, served as Officer of Sports, spent five years as Vice President of Production, and subsequently served as FGG Co-President. "The Gay Games represent a vital beacon of inclusion, personal best, and community," Jan notes. "As we look to the future, we must keep the Games modern, financially accessible, and reflective of our entire spectrum of identity." Based in Berlin, Germany, Jan works in Customer Operations at E.ON and supports queer cultural projects.
📄 Director of Host City Selection
The Director of Host City Selection oversees the transparent and rigorous process of selecting future Gay Games host cities, ensuring fair evaluation and alignment with Federation values.
Austin Manning
“Continuing the work of the Federation, the Global Gay Games and LGBTQ+ movement, and the Site Selection/Host City Committee connects me with a global network of activists and remains a distinct honor to be entrusted with this particular FGG responsibility. I look forward to the opportunity to build on the momentum and opportunities identified in the GGXIII 2030 Site Selection Process while dedicating my professional expertise in production management and contract accountability to the Officer of Host Relation and GGXIII 2030 Steering Committee.”
📄 Director of Global Engagement
The Director of Global Engagement serves to strengthen the Federation’s reputation, visibility, and influence worldwide through communications, marketing, and outreach.
Duncan Campbell
“It is my honour to form part of the FGG board and use my skills to further your work. I believe I have a lot to contribute, with a significant amount of experience in communication from my different businesses. I have strong connections with LGBTQ+ sports teams, and a strong interest in building upon those connections. And of course, I love LGBTQ+ sports and want everyone in our community to have safe access to sports and fitness.”
📄 Director of Gay Games Quality
The Director of Gay Games Quality ensures the delivery of a world-class Gay Games experience, integrating sport, culture, and ceremonies while upholding the values of inclusion and excellence.
Laurie Butterly
“I am committed to ensuring the Gay Games continues to deliver a world-class, inclusive experience despite an increasingly complex global environment. My background in law, executive leadership, governance and public service, together with co-leading Perth's successful Gay Games 2030 bid, equips me to strengthen quality, manage risk, support host cities and protect the Federation's reputation while championing the values that make the Gay Games unique.”
Marc Riker
“I bring more than 20 years of experience leading nonprofit organizations and delivering major multi-sport events. My background spans strategic leadership, financial management, fundraising, marketing, governance, risk management, and building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders around the world. I am committed to collaborative, ethical, and purposeful leadership, with a particular focus on creating safe, welcoming, fair, and inclusive sporting experiences. I look forward to using this experience to strengthen the FGG, support its members, and help ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of the Gay Games.”
Anthony Alston
“I, Anthony Alston, am pursuing the Director of Gay Games Quality vacancy on the FGG Board of Directors. For twelve years it has been an honor being the Officer of Culture. The Gay Games is a transformative experience and I remain passionate about sharing it with others. I am committed to ensuring the best possible Gay Games for all stakeholders. I am grateful to serve in this global LGBTQ+ equality movement and look forward to our next achievements together in Sport and Culture.”