Richard Dopson: Gay Games III Host City Announcement

Richard Dopson is interviewed at Sunset Beach Park about the Gay Games III host city announcement at Gay Games II Closing Ceremonies. The camera catches a view of the Granville and Burrard Street bridges and the south shoreline.

Dopson: “We were very adamant that the best audience for hearing where the Gay Games would be in 1990 was at Closing Ceremonies in ’86, and even though San Francisco was initially reluctant and wanted to delay to have other cities bid for the 1990 Gay Games III, we said, ‘We took you seriously, you advertised that the bid process was on, and so we took you seriously, and we’re here. We’ve prepared for 13 months with our bid package and we think it’s really important that the announcement be made at Closing Ceremonies.’ And Tom agreed, and so thank goodness to his support in general that  – his strong support – his trust for Vancouver and his pleasure with the city because he really thought that -as he said many times – Vancouver is a friendly city , an open city, and had taken a careful interest in getting ready for 1990. So he supported the concept of the announcement being made at Closing Ceremonies. 

I made the announcement and we received the flag and in ’86 I welcomed the world to come to Vancouver for 1990, and they’re coming!”

On August 17, 1986 Tom Waddell made the announcement at Gay Games II Closing Ceremonies.

Waddell: “The next Gay Games are being awarded in 1990 to Vancouver, British Columbia.”

(cheers and applause)

Dopson: “On behalf of all the lesbians and gay athletes, we congratulate San Francisco on your triumph in ‘86. And on behalf of Canadian gays and lesbians we invite you to Celebration ‘90 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada!”

(cheers and applause)