Pensacola Beach, Florida
February 21 – 24, 2002
Gulf Games 9 is now history, but will remain a fantastic memory for me for the rest of my life. It was another incredible event, filled with great friends, fun times and loads of super memories.
I’ll be honest … I was a bit worried about this one. Registrations were running very low until mid-November. At that point, however, a received a ton of registrations, making me feel so much better and more comfortable. Still, for numerous reasons, I knew Gulf Games 9 was going to be one of our smaller events and I was a bit concerned that the atmosphere may somehow be diminished.
Boy, was I wrong! Gulf Games 9 proved to be FANTASTIC. Judging from the other reports which have been spilling in, everyone else shares this same sentiment. There has been unanimous praise for not only the event, but the hotel and facilities as well. The venue proved so popular that I’m already working with the hotel to arrange a return engagement, either next year or in 2004.
As y’all know, Gulf Games is incredibly special to me. To gather with so many great people and witness everyone having a great time in a wonderfully friendly atmosphere is an experience that is beyond words. Quite simply, it is why we do it. I am fortunate in that I get to game each and every week with my Westbank Gamers group … but it cannot compare to the experience that is Gulf Games. A finer group of folks who all mix so well and treat each other with civility, respect and genuine friendship would be near impossible to find. It is an experience I cherish each and every time and I thank all of you for opening your hearts to me and my family.
Quite a few of you have singled me out for praise. Please know that I don’t do this alone … I couldn’t. Gulf Games would be impossible without the tireless contributions of a great many folks. It truly has become a team effort, which has made it not only easier, but loads of fun, too! I can’t imagine Gulf Games without the inexhaustible artistic brilliance of Tim and Vickie Watson. They create the ‘atmosphere’ which helps Gulf Games flourish. Without them, we’d be sitting in an empty room, devoid of decorations or … even worse … food and drink! But we’d also be missing a strong spirit of love and dedication, as well as some incredibly good friends. From the bottom of my heart, I want to express my deepest appreciation to both Tim and Vickie for all they do to help make Gulf Games the almost indescribable event it has become.
So many other folks contribute that I risk overlooking one or more here. I’ll take that risk and apologize in advance if I miss mentioning someone who contributed.
Lenny Leo: Poor Lenny. I cajole, coerce, force and badger him at nearly every opportunity to work on various Gulf Games projects. I’m surprised he still comes around! However, Lenny is a trooper and is responsible for the wonderful movie posters which adorned the room. I saw quite a few people getting a good laugh or chuckle when studying these posters. He also makes sure the Gulf Games youngsters don’t go away empty handed, purchasing them gifts, an expense which comes from his own pocket. Thanks, Lenny, for being such a trooper and such a great friend.
Ben & Marcia Baldanza: Ben and Marcia stepped forward and not only organized the immensely popular Crokinole tournament, but also put together the wonderful ‘Audio Gaming’ event and, along with Stven Carlberg, presented the ‘Dream Team’ game at our Welcome Party. Ben and Marcia do this all with a great sense of humor and friendliness. Thanks, guys!
Craig Berg: Each event, Craig organizes the push for goodies so we can assemble those delicious gift baskets that have proven so popular. He regularly reminds/threatens our Gulf Gamers to bring local food goodies for the baskets, then with the help of the ladies, assembles these baskets. They have proven to be very popular prizes. Also, Craig has proven invaluable as a conduit for ideas and advice and has stepped forward to help at every opportunity. He also has proven to be a major part of the ‘heart’ of Gulf Games, insuring that everyone is having a good time. Thanks, Craig, for your outstanding help and friendship.
Ted Cheatham: Aside from organizing the always fun and wacky Welcome Party events, Ted simply brings the room alive with his presence. I cannot imagine playing a game with Ted without laughing myself silly. He makes even the worst game an incredibly fun experience. Thanks, Ted, for truly being the “life of the party” and for all the tireless support of Gulf Games.
Mark Jackson: I can always count on Mark to help whenever asked and, more importantly, to provide sound advice and guidance whenever needed. I call Mark my ‘pastor’, even though we live 500 miles apart! Whenever I’m faced with a dilemma or problem, whether it be with Gulf Games or some other personal matter, I know Mark will provide wisdom and guidance to help me through. I can also count on Mark to keep things rolling along with his wonderfully bizarre collection of games and his constant attention to the children. Thanks, Mark!
Ty Douds: Although he is often in the background, Ty has always been there to provide input, suggestions, ideas and guidance. He has proven rock-solid, not only as a supporter of Gulf Games, but as a true friend as well. Plus, he also provides a target to shoot for as everyone knows that they have to ‘get Ty!’
There are so many other folks without whose contributions and presence Gulf Games would never be the same. I can’t tell you how much joy I get from sharing good times and games with such super folks as Ward Batty, Stven Carlberg, Sheldon Smith, Larry Levy, Jason & Vonda Matthews, Ken Girton, Jim Cobb, Chris & Elaine Lohroff and so, so many others. I also am thrilled to meet our Gulf Games ‘newbies’ and am always amazed at just how much they add to our Gulf Games family. This time, we welcomed James Miller, Charlie Davis, Sarah Samuelson, Bryan Rankin, Jeff Stephens, Rob Derrick and John Moore into our family and we were all enriched by their addition.
Admittedly, I get a little teary-eyed at the entire experience. It has been simply incredible to watch this thing grow from an informal gathering of three internet buddies into an event which has, quite simply, changed my life. At each Gulf Games, by the time Saturday evening arrives, I already find myself fighting a sense of sadness, knowing that the event will be over shortly and everyone will depart back to their own little world. I take some solace, however, in knowing that, God willing, we’ll all be together again in a half a year, once again enjoying each other’s friendship and company.
To each and everyone of you, from the bottom of my heart, “Thank You!“. You once again helped make Gulf Games 9 an incredibly special event, one which will live with me forever.
Now, let’s get working on Gulf Games 10: August 1 – 4, 2002 in Savannah, Georgia! I just can’t wait!