The Tom Waddell Award

What it stands for

It is symbolic, a vessel for our spirit, our inspiration, and all of the tears of joy shed by the thousands of participants whose lives have been touched by the power of Gay Games. 

NOMINATIONS OPEN

NOMINATIONS OPEN

Nominations are now open for the Tom Waddell Award 2026 which will be presented to the winners at Gay Games València 2026.

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

To be eligible for consideration for the award, a nominee must have been involved with the Federation of Gay Games, a Gay Games host organization, or a sports or culture organization that supports gay/lesbian activities with a direct connection to the Gay Games.

A nominee may not currently be serving as a member of the Federation of Gay Games board or serving on the board, staff, or as a volunteer for the current Gay Games host.

Nominate

Past Recipients

  • 1990: Paul Mart

    Also nominated: Bart Hopple, Paul Mart, Brent Nicholson Earle, Rikki Streicher

  • 1994 • Rikki Streicher

    Also nominated: Deirdre Paul, Robert Weaver

  • 1998 • Ruth Gursky

    Also nominated: Rick Peterson, Dave Studach

  • 2002 • Stuart Borrie & Susan Kennedy

    Also nominated: Gene Dermody, Derek Liecty, Gert McMullin, Jean-Nickolaus Tretter

  • 2006 • Lydia La Rivière-Zijdel & Derek Liecty

    Also nominated: Gary Bath, Jerry Lovell, Gert McMullin, Rose Mary Mitchell, Peter Moews, Jessica Seaton

  • 2010 • Brent Nicolson Earle & Sara Waddell Lewinstein

    Also nominated: Gene Dermody, Connie Kempe-Schaelicke, Brent Minor, Jessica Seaton

  • 2014 • Gene Dermody & Elvina Yuvakaeva

    Also nominated: Lou Englefield, Gert McMull, Barry Webb, Konstantin Yablotskiy

  • 2018 • Gert McMullin & Paul Oostenbrug

    Also nominated: Roger Brigham, Teresa Galetti, Peter Moews, Kate Rowe

  • 2023 • Roger Brigham & Emy Ritt

    Also nominated: Kurt Dahl, Shamey Cramer, Laura Moore, Annette Wachter