Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 SMI; site sun.uucp Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!bellcore!decvax!decwrl!sun!wild From: wild@sun.uucp (Will Doherty) Newsgroups: net.motss Subject: Gay games and South Africa Message-ID: <3241@sun.uucp> Date: Fri, 14-Feb-86 17:35:33 EST Article-I.D.: sun.3241 Posted: Fri Feb 14 17:35:33 1986 Date-Received: Sun, 16-Feb-86 04:52:12 EST Distribution: net Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc. Lines: 89 I got the following information from a member of the Board of Directors of Gay Games II. For more information, try asking me (Will Doherty sun!oscar!wild), or contact the Executive Director of Gay Games II: Shawn Kelly SFA&A, INC 526 Castro St SF, CA 94114 415-861-8282 First, there seems to be quite a huge misunderstanding on Mr. Rizzo's part in that we, the Gay Games organizers, issue invitations to any groups. We do have representatives who travel around the country, and one or two who have had an opportunity to go to foreign countries, speak about the games. We do actively encourage everyone's participation in every area of the Games and if a person is interested in a specific sport, a registration packet is sent. Only after the completed application is received, and processed, is that person considered an entrant in that specific sport. We do not, as a matter of policy, issue a direct invitation to any country, for there will be no international "flavor" to the games. The Opening & Closing Ceremonies' program was put together with that in mind and the emphasis will be on the individuals themselves, not of any country. The Games office has not yet received any such requests at all from South Africa, or, for that matter have we received any interest whatsoever. Therefore, the statements referring to this point are inaccurate. With the above clarification, I submit the following: San Francisco Arts & Athletics (SFAA) is a non-profit public benefit corporation. (ARTICLE II-A -- Article of Incorporation). The specific charitable and educational purpose of the corporation is to promote and develop the arts by means including, but not limited to, conducting public cultural activities of a traditional nature such as dance, athletics, theater, music, painting and graphic arts, within the openly gay community. (ARTICLE II-B) No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate or interfere in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.(ARTICLE IV-C) The issue of apartheid in South Africa has raised questions from several gay organizations about the policies of SFAA regarding participation and representation in the project known as Gay Games II. Heretofore, there has not been any controversy over participation or representation of any individual. In it's December, 1985 meeting, the Board of Directors addressed the matter of a request by the International Gay Association asking SFAA to boycott individuals from South Africa from participating in the Gay Games. The position of the Board of Directors of SFAA is as follows: A) We acknowledge and support the I.G.A. and any other organization, in their effort to end apartheid in South Africa. We are unanimous in our opinion that apartheid is detestable and that the Government of South Africa is culpable. B) SFAA addresses the problem of apartheid in South Africa in the same way it addresses prejudice against any other group in the world, by inviting individuals to participate in activities which promote a climate of cooperation, friendship and understanding. Our major projects, Gay Games II and Cultural Week are designed to be inclusive of all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, religion or geopolitical origin. C) It is the policy of SFAA, with all its related projects, to create opportunities to address a number of social ills which plague the gay community (globally), as well as all communities at large. These specifically are: 1. AGEISM. We include all ages and age-group activities in our events. 2. SEXISM. There are equal venues at all levels for women and men. 3. RACISM. We actively recruit persons of color to participate at all levels of the organization and its events. 4. NATIONALISM. We do not accept representation on any geopolitical basis. All participants represent themselves. Country of origin is not a parameter for eligibility. D) The Board of Directors unanimously voted the following statement as summarizing our policy towards participation in any of our events: "NO ONE IS EXCLUDED" --END--