Navarre Beach, Florida
October 12 – 15, 2000
It just keeps getting better and better and better. Never in my wildest dreams had I envisioned Gulf Games growing to such a fantastic event, one which I look forward to with great anticipation every day of the year. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Gulf Games and the various duties, details, etc. which must be tended to in order to make it a success. To some of you this may sound like work. To me, however, it truly is a labor of love.
Fortunately, many (if not most) of you share my love for this indescribable gathering of fantastic people. For without your mutual love of Gulf Games, the event simply would not be possible.
There are SO many people to thank and I just know that I will omit some folks. Please, please forgive me if I do. Each and everyone of you helped in some fashion. However small a contribution you may have made, please know that it is completely appreciated. The event could not have been anywhere near as successful without all of your tireless and selfless contributions. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!
Some folks bear singling out, though:
1) First and foremost, our dynamic duo of Tim and Vickie Watson. There is virtually no area of the Gulf Games experience which doesn’t bear their mark. The incredible decorations, the wall plaques, the name badges, the medals we wear, the tote bags, the Gulf Games merchandise (mouse pads, hats, towels, clocks, etc.), contests, food, drinks, etc. … the list is almost endless. These two are responsible for ALL of this, and more. They are two of the most creative, dedicated and generous people I have the pleasure of knowing.
2) Ted Cheatham. Ted is the maniac responsible for the Welcome Party. He invents most of the ideas and organizes everything so it runs smoothly and is always TONS of fun. Also, Ted can be counted upon to do just about anything asked and is always a voice of support and encouragement … a true friend.
3) Derk Solko & Ken Girton. These two are responsible for putting together the ‘Game Show’ on Sunday mornings and making sure everything is in place. We had a hoot at the ‘Hollywood Squares’ event and marvelled how Derk had everything organized on his lap-top computer. Plus, Ken muttered one of the most memorable lines I overheard during the course of the convention. Our team was smashing the other team, 3 games to 0. Ken, in his usual quiet voice, informed the other group,”You guys are doing terrible. Just thought I’d let you know!”.
4) Mark Jackson. Mark can always be counted on to bring a truckload of games, including a huge batch of childrens games to keep the kiddies amused. Further, he’s usually the one who teaches the kids and plays right along with them. This time, Mark also organized the incredibly clever Game Trader event. Mark can always be counted on to do an excellent job, no matter what the task. In addition, in spite of being one of the last folks to leave the game room each night AND one of the first to arrive each morning, he still manages to be up early on Sunday morning and conduct an always inspirational and emotional prayer service. Mark, you are, indeed, a godsend and a blessing.
5) Lenny Leo. My faithful gaming companion and trusted friend. Lenny is always there to help make medals, hang decorations, video the events and more. Whatever you ask him to do, he’ll do. He puts up with my incessant demands on his schedule and his time, and always does it willingly and cheerfully. I am truly blessed to have a friend such as him.
6) The Bergs. Can anyone even imagine a better picture of what the American family is supposed to look like? These guys are simply fantastic! Aside from their incredible personalities and genuine warmth, they are also more than willing to do whatever is asked of them. In addition to organizing the Baby Faces contest and getting together the really neat gift baskets, they spent hours upon hours helping us set everything up in preparation for the main events. Craig cut out so many decorations that his arms were beginning to look like Popeye’s huge forearms! You guys are simply the greatest!
7) Ken Sheffield. Ken volunteered to take over the duties of coordinating the games each of us are requested to bring. This is yet another task which was taken off my back, and I am very grateful.
8) Ben Baldanza. Ben organized the Knizia Trilogy tournament and provided the prize for the winner. This was a smashing success … even though a guy from West Virginia almost won the whole darned thing!
9) Ty Douds. One of the original ‘three amigos’ who began this whole Gulf Games event. Ty has been a trusted friend throughout the 2 1/2 years that Gulf Games has existed. He is always an enthusiastic supporter and can be counted on to help out in anyway he can.
10) Magnus & Sus Lundgren. Talk about dedication: this duo again traveled all the way from Sweden to attend their second Gulf Games … while they were on their honeymoon! To top it off, they each hosted a contest and provided prizes for the winners. Fantastic!
11) And last, but certainly not least, my lovely wife, Gail. Gail puts up with all this madness and the huge chunks of time I devote to it. Further, she jumps right in and helps in whatever way she can, from making medals and jewelry, to helping me organize everything. Other women would have tossed me out the door by now, but she gamely puts up with all this madness. She is the love of my life.
If I’ve slighted anyone, please forgive me. I truly treasure each and everyone of you. The spirit of Gulf Games is alive and strong because of each of you and your contributions and presence. I am still continually amazed by the true atmosphere of warmth, kindness and friendship which permeates the entire event. For that, each and everyone of you is responsible. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.
Now, let’s do it all again on March 1 – 4, 2001 in Orlando, Florida! Don’t miss it!