Gulf Games 12: Comments

Williamsburg, Virginia
August 7 – 10, 2003

“After each event it is very difficult to leave. Again we met new gamers that quickly became friends and renewed friendships with others. Although we only see each other a couple of times a year, I consider the friends I’ve made at Gulf Games to be some of the most important relationships in my life, and I’m very thankful for all of “

     Chris Lohroff
 

“Thanks to everyone for a GREAT TIME!! Gulf Games is always such an amazing time and it goes by way too quickly! “

     Craig Berg
 

“We both had a fantastic time. Sheryl’s coming-out party (as the ever-elusive Vera) was a great success and she thoroughly enjoyed the gaming and, particularly, the people. I really want to thank all the people who made her feel welcome, but it almost isn’t necessary, as there was never any question in my mind that this would occur. “

     Larry Levy
 

“Just wanted to say “Thanx!” to everyone for making our first Gulf Games such a WONDERFUL experience!! Usually I come home from an event like this and go on and on about how good the games were. This time it was a little different. Oh.. the gaming was still very good, but the people, the friendships, and the atmosphere were GREAT! When I got back, I couldn’t say enough good things about how friendly everyone was. Greg & everyone who contributed towards putting Gulf Games together really have something to be proud of. “

     Michael Green
 

“I just wanted to thank everyone for another wonderful time. This one in particular was very special to me because Elizabeth was able to come and stay the entire time so she had a chance to really meet so many of the people that I’ve talked about over the years. Elizabeth really enjoyed her time there and felt comfortable and at home right from the start. Thank you all for making such a welcoming atmosphere. “

     Neil Carr
 

“Janet and I had a wonderful time at Gulf Games. Thank-you for letting us be a part of the group.

“A big thanks for Greg for organizing and hosting. It takes a ton of work to run an event like Gulf Games. Thanks also to all the others who helped, especially Vickie for the incredible decorations.

“It was fun to see so many intelligent, polite, and outgoing children who love games. All of you parents should be very proud. Please make more! “

     Alan Moon
 

“I just want to add my word of thanks to all the folks for the fabulous time at GG12. First, I really appreciated the invitation to attend and counted it a real privilege to get to come.

“I will not forget the great friendships cemented at GG12, and will look forward to future times with you. “

     Frank Hamrick
 

“The games might get you to one of these, but there’s no question that it’s the people that make it imperative to return as often as life permits. “

     Joe Huber
 

“The people make GG a great experience. The games are fun and they are the primary draw, but the atmosphere is more like a family re-union than a gathering of random people. Thanks to Greg, Ted, and Ty for starting it this way. Thanks to all the attendees for being there. “

     Leon Hendee
 

“There aren’t enough words to thank everyone for such a wonderful time, especially Greg, Vickie and Tim for all their work every time. The Gulf Games Family Reunions, as I’ve come to think of them, have been highlights of our lives the past 2 years, and to say we’re looking forward to more is a great understatement.

“Time spent among such wonderful, loving friends is, by definition, too short but time most well spent. “

     Michael & Julie Weston
 

“It was another terrific Gulf Games, and much praise to Greg Schloesser and Tim and Vickie Watson for the exceptional work they do to bring this wonderful party to us again and again. “

     Stven Carlberg
 

“We had a terrific time at Gulf Games and would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who welcomed us so warmly. The effort put into the organization of the event was extraordinary, and the camaraderie throughout our time there was a joy. It was wonderful being able to discover that the people you read of from afar are every bit as nice as you’d ever wish. On behalf of Fleur, myself and the bub, our thanks!! “

     Patrick Brennan
 

“I really appreciate the opportunity to join all of you at GG. That was, by far, one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I’ve ever had. It really demonstrates one of the most important aspects of gaming – bringing friends and families together. And it sure did make for a great week of vacation!! “

     Michael Green
 

“I’m sure I’m forgetting many other highlights. It’s fun seeing all the kids grow up and form their own friendships. I’m sure we’ll see some of them bringing their kids one day, and extend GG to 3 generations (but not too soon, college first, please.) “

     Ward Batty
 

“I am hard pressed to even try and understand the magic and chemistry of Gulf Games, but it’s so obvious that the most important ingredient in the mix is the people and this time around it was especially true for me. “

     Susan Rozmiarek
 

“I’ve always maintained that GG goes far beyond gaming and is primarily about being with friends. I have made soooo many friends through GG and TGOF that I consider myself truly blessed. “

     Al Newman
 

“I have talked my friends’ ears off to the point they’re probably getting sick of hearing about it. But it was too good to just come back and not tell everyone how great it was. So – thanks for the invite – and you made me feel like a part of the GG family! “

     Frank Hamrick
 

“The problem with not writing up right after returning home is that, by the time I do, everyone’s used all the good phrases, and I feel very derivative. On the other hand, how many times, in how many different ways, can we all say that the people and the games and the people were great? More, it seems! “

     Sarah Samuelson
 

“Sarah’s post was a harsh reminder how hard it is to fully describe the GG experience. Simply put, it doesn’t get any better. The *only* downside is having to eventually pack up and leave.

“I probably hugged at least two dozen of you before leaving on Sunday and although leaving is never fun, the thought of another reunion at some point is about as sweet as it gets. “

     Al Newman
 

“Thanks again to all who helped organize the event, to all who brought their games for us to share, and to all who made Gulf Games so much fun, either by playing games, engaging in stimulating conversation, or by putting up with our family. “

     David Vander Ark
 

“I always wondered about the name “The Gathering of Friends” until I realized that the reason I was going back – and the reason I started coming to Gulf Games and will continue to do so whenever life allows – wasn’t the games but instead the friends I wanted to see & spend time with. “

     Joe Huber
 

“Whenever we part from a Gulf Games, I can’t help thinking of the song we sang at camp when I was a kid:

We’re all together again.
We’re here. We’re here.
We’re all together again.
We’re here. We’re here.
But who knows when
We’ll be all together again
Singing ‘All together again. We’re here’?”

     Michael Labranche
 

“Anyway, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my trip and meeting so many of you. I was amused to find while I was there that a group of ladies were trying to get my attention and when I couldn’t hear them they finally got it by calling out “VERA” since yelling “Sheryl” didn’t work. Somehow I think I’ll be answering to Vera for a long long time. “

     Sheryl Suko
 

“THANKS y’all for making this Gulf Game ANOTHER wonderful experience! “

     Sus Lundgren
 

“As everyone keeps pointing out it is not so much the games as the people. It is always fun to meet up with everyone again and since we arrived early this year we had even more time to spend with y’all.

“By now we all know that Sus and I will make it back some day so just continue to make Gulf Games the best gaming event and we will meet again. “

     Magnus Lundgren
 

“After each event I find myself caring less about the games I played and caring more about the people I spent time with. Greg says each year that it’s the games that brought us together but the friendship that brings us back. This becomes more real to me each time and I feel it is a great blessing to be a part of it. “

     Chris Lohroff
 

“Gulf Games remains the highlight of my gaming year and I look forward to more and more wonderful memories in the years to come. “

     Larry Levy