Call for Nominations for the Tom Waddell Award 2026

Written By Duncan Campbell

Emy Ritt (left) and Roger Brigham, our last two Tom Waddell award winners in 2023

The FGG is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Tom Waddell Award. This is the highest recognition offered by the FGG and is presented at the Opening Ceremony of each Gay Games to two people of differing genders. In late June 2026, the recipients will be announced in Valencia at the Opening Ceremony for Gay Games XII..

 

A nominee must:

  • Inspire pride through leadership and excellence in sports, culture, or volunteerism

  • Devote their energies to the success of the Gay Games and/or related activities without regard for personal gain

  • Participate at their personal best

  • Personify standards of commitment, selflessness, and love of humanity

You can learn more about the Tom Waddell Award and the previous nominees and recipients here.

Anyone may nominate a qualified person. To learn more about award eligibility and submit a nomination, use the form here.

Nominations officially open during the Annual General Assembly in October, 2025. For now, here is what you can do:

  • Think about who you might want to nominate.

  • Get the permission of the nominee, if possible.

  • Review the nomination form and gather all the information requested.

  • Identify one or more people who will write letters of endorsement on behalf of your nominee.

  • Plan to submit your nomination paperwork starting in late October, 2025.

 

The deadline for submitting nominations is 31 March 2026.

Questions? Write to awards@gaygames.net

Duncan Campbell
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