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Lydia la Rivière-Zijdel of Amsterdam, Netherlands and Derek Liecty of Oakland, California, USA, were the distinguished recipients of the 2006 Tom Waddell Award in a presentation by Gay Games Ambassador Greg Louganis at Chicago's Gay Games VII opening ceremony.

Lydia has been involved in the gay and lesbian sport community for nearly 20 years, with a focus on disability issues. She first became involved with the Gay Games in 1994 when she acted as a referee and flag carrier for her native Netherlands. As Coordinator for Special Needs in 1998, she was instrumental in making Amsterdam's Gay Games V accessible and inclusive of spectators and participants with HIV/AIDS and physical and sensory disabilities by establishing special meeting and resting rooms and providing sign language at all major events. Lydia continues lobbying on behalf of and speaking about equality for women and LGBT and disabled people at the United Nations and European Union.

After serving as a soccer referee at Gay Games I in 1982, Derek worked as a full-time volunteer as Director of Facilities and manager of logistics for Gay Games II. He has been involved with the Federation of Gay Games since its inception, serving as a founding member and one of the first chairs of the Outreach Committee. He served as Interim Vice President in 1999-2000 and continued as an FGG director until 2005. Derek served for 13 years on the board of directors of Different Spokes, the largest LGBT cycling club in the U.S., organizing the first-ever AIDS Bike-a-thon. Derek has also won numerous cycling medals at the Gay Games.

For the first time, all Tom Waddell Award finalists appeared together for the 2006 presentation in Chicago. Besides Lydia and Derek, the 2006 finalists were Gert McMullin, Rose Mary Mitchell, Jessica Seaton, Gary Bath, Jerry Lovell and Peter Moews. More information about the 2006 finalists can be found in the News Media section at: 2006 Tom Waddell Award Finalists (PDF).

(left to right):Gert McMullin, Jerry Lovell, Jessica Seaton, Derek Liecty, Chicago Gay Games volunteer James Baptist, Lydia Zijdel, Gary Bath (rear), Greg Louganis, Rose Mary Mitchell, Peter Moews, Jessica Waddell        Photo: Steve Becker for Chicago Games Inc.

Criteria:
The Tom Waddell Award focuses attention on the single most important aspect of the Gay Games, that of participation. It is presented every four years in conjunction with the Gay Games.

The criteria for nominees are:

• inspires pride through leadership and excellence in sports, culture, or volunteerism;
• devotes energies to the success of the Gay Games and/or related activities without regard for personal gain;
• participates at one's personal best;
• personifies standards of commitment, selflessness, and love of humanity.

To be eligible for consideration for the award, a nominee must have been involved with the Federation of Gay Games, a Gay Games host organization, or a sports or culture organization that supports gay/lesbian activities with a direct connection to the Gay Games.

A nominee may not currently be serving as a member of the Federation of Gay Games board or serving on the board, staff, or as a volunteer for the current Gay Games host.

Nominations must be submitted on behalf of others. Anonymous and self-nominations are not accepted. The award is open to all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or identification.

Submissions are encouraged from around the world. Information about the nomination and selection process for the next Tom Waddell Award recognition will be posted here about a year before Cologne's Gay Games VIII in 2010. Until then, if you have questions about eligibility or other aspects of the Tom Waddell Award, contact Awards Committee.