Remembering former FGG co-president Rick Peterson

This month we celebrated the life of Rick Peterson, former co-president of the Federation of Gay Games, who died aged 71 on 15 August 2022.

Rick served as the inaugural co-president of FGG, from 1989 until 1994, and after his tenure was appointed the title of Honorary Life Member for his service to the Federation.  He continued his work until recently, working with the Gay Games XI Hong Kong team to passionately find sponsors.

Rick was an accomplished swimmer, founded the "Emerald Orca Swim Club" LGBTQ+ swim team.  He was responsible for organizing swimmers and divers from Seattle to participate in Gay Games II in San Francisco in 1986. 

“Rick’s lifetime commitment to the Gay Games movement, hard-won contributions to the advancement of inclusion in sport, and unique ability to bring people together will remain an inspiration to me always.” said Daniel Holland, Officer Of Development at the FGG

During the five years he served as FGG co-president, he described "the thrill of seeing Gay Games grow from 3,500 participants at Gay Games II in San Francisco in 1986, to 7,500 participants at Gay Games III in Vancouver in 1990, to 11,500 participants in 1994 at Gay Games IV in New York City," 

"And along the way, breaking barriers and celebrating the development of sport and culture groups — creating exciting opportunities for hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ athletes and artists worldwide to participate, be included, and reach for personal bests."

As well as dedicating this time to the FGG, he was also an incredibly generous donor, bequeathing the largest scholarship donation we have ever received, to be named the "Rick Peterson Aquatic Endowment Fund".

Thank you for your service Rick.  Rest in peace.