Denver 2012 Bid Book

Elevate Your Game

March 4, 2011

Dear NGFFL Board & Captains,

The Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League (DGLFFL) and the Gay Bowl steering com-
mittee’s pursuit to host the Gay Bowl in 2012 will showcase Denver in a national spotlight by
elevating the sport of flag football. Our vision is to place greater emphasis on the athlete by
creating a memorable weekend of experiences. This will be accomplished by providing pre-
mier tournament facilities and fields, a walkable and concentrated downtown district with
classic hotel rooms, distinctive and unique social events highlighting Denver’s nightlife, tasty
Colorado cuisine and local brewpubs, and the creation of a Women’s Division. Our strategic
partnership with Team Colorado, a 501(c)3 nonprofit umbrella LGBT sports organization, will
strengthen our fundraising potential. It’s for these reasons that we welcome the opportunity
to host the Gay Bowl in the Mile High City during the September 21-23 weekend and solidify
Denver’s presence within the NGFFL.

The DGLFFL was created in 2008 and has shown unprecedented growth in its nearly three
years of existence, with 16 teams and 224 members expected to participate in 2011. In just its
few short years, the DGLFFL has demonstrated a history of building LGBT community inclusion
by its continual ability to recruit and retain players. As an allied organization to the DGLFFL, the
Denver Summit represents the best talent and athleticism of Colorado. The Summit has com-
peted in the annual Gay Bowl since 2008 and is positioned to live out their mission of compet-
ing at the highest levels of gay flag football nationally. The infectious energy and the pure ex-
citement exhibited by the flag football community will help us deliver a first class event in 2012.

Given the unique success the DGLFFL has had with building an integrated flag football
community, we are committed to beginning a new tradition to the Gay Bowl through the
creation of a Women’s Division. We anticipate this Division to be comprised of eight teams
competing under the rules and framework of the NGFFL. Rest assured we will respect and up-
hold the Gay Bowl, its traditions, and a weekend that participants have all come to cherish.
We intend to provide cities the opportunity to showcase women in sport by participating in the
Inaugural Women’s Division, thus evolving the mindset towards community inclusion.

With 300 days of sunshine and blue skies, over 200 parks, and the Rocky Mountains as a
backdrop, Denver offers an affordable blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure.
Denver’s international airport is a major airline hub offering nonstop service to more than 150
US cities with average airfare in 2010 being nearly $50 less than the national average. In the
month of September the average high temperature is 79 degrees. Rated as one of the top
10 gayest cities in the US by GreatGayLife.com, Denver’s thriving but casual nightlife offers
diverse choices for the LGBT community.

Collectively, we feel strongly that we have the structure in place to successfully host the larg-
est Gay Bowl to date. Be prepared to elevate your game in 2012.

Sincerely,

Mollie Lehman and the Denver Gay Bowl XII Bid Committee (Joe Cooper, Matt Formanack,
Becky Lee, Andy McCallin, Patrick McIntyre, and James Warner)
 STATE OF COLORADO
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
136 State Capitol Building
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 866 - 2471
(303) 866 - 2003 fax

John W. Hickenlooper
Governor

February 22, 2011

To Whom it May Concern:

On behalf of the people of Colorado, I extend a cordial invitation to the National Gay Flag
Football League and invite you to host the 2012 Gay Bowl in our great state.

This historic effort will showcase Denver and Colorado in an international spotlight and
will highlight the spirit of the local LGBT community via sport, culture, celebration, diversity,
and human rights. These events will contribute greatly to the social, economic and political
quality of LGBT life in Colorado. Gay Bowl XII will also have a significant economic impact on
business and tourism in the Denver-Metro area.

Our state has strong appreciation and admiration for sports and for the athletes who strive for
their dreams. I am pleased to support the outstanding bid by the Denver Gay Bowl XII team to
host the 2012 Gay Bowl in Denver

Sincerely,

John Hickenlooper
Governor
 The Contents

THE REASONS ................................................6

THE ARRIVAL ................................................7

THE TOURNAMENT ...............................................8

THE WOMEN ................................................11

THE DOWNTOWN ................................................12

THE ACCOMMODATION ................................................13

THE SOCIALS ................................................14

THE BUDGET ................................................16

THE FUNDRAISING ................................................17

THE DATE ................................................19

THE COMMITTEE ................................................20

THE SUPPORT ................................................22

The Reasons
XII for Denver in 2012!
I. 5280: It’s not just an altitude, it’s an attitude.

II. The Denver Summit: To know us is to love us.

III. The DGLFFL: An army of 224 potential volunteers.

IV. DIA: Modern. Convenient. Inexpensive.

V. Dick’s: Fabulous first-class fields and amenities.

VI. The Tournament: Planned for 40 teams; can accommodate 48.

VII. Women’s Division: First Ever.

VIII. Apres Football: Rooftop. Sunsets. Hot tubs.

IX. Colorado Climate: September is the perfect time of year.

X. The Rockies: Our Mountains are bigger.

XI. Downtown Denver: Walkable. Urban. Gay. Fun!

XII. Community: Live it here, take it home. Experience what we’ve built.

Elevate Your Game

6 Denver 2012 Bid Book

The Arrival
Denver International Airport (DIA)

DIA

5th busiest airport in U.S.

10th busiest in the world

Nonstop service to 150 cities

More than 30 airlines

Five low-cost air carriers

Averages 1,600 flights daily

Elevate Your Game 7

 The Tournament

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Reserved September 21-23, 2012 for Gaybowl XII
Open Division: 32 Teams
Women’s Division: 8 Teams

8 Denver 2012 Bid Book

Everyone is invited to Gay Bowl XII.
While our plan is to host a 32-team
Open Division, the Denver Gay Bowl
XII Bid Committee is excited to of-
fer the National Gay Flag Football
League the option to expand the
number of teams participating in
Gay Bowl to up to 40 teams. We
have reserved plenty of field space
at Dick’s, and our budget and lo-
gistics can easily handle the expan-
sion. The more cities that can expe- DICK’S HIGHLIGHTS
rience this incredible weekend, the
better the tournament will be for ev- 12 fields to accommodate up to 48 teams
eryone.
NGFFL regulation lined grass fields

Chains, scoreboards, cones available

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Dick’s) Permanent restrooms

is one of the world’s largest and
most state of the art professional Full concessions, beer garden, ATM on site
stadium and fields complex. The
Denver Gay Bowl XII Bid Commit- 10x20 ft tents & water coolers for each field
tee feels very strongly that Dick’s is
truly a differentiator in our bid. From Lighting on all fields
the quality of the fully-lined and im-
maculately groomed grass fields, Athetic Trainers & EMTs on site
to the amenities and comforts pro-
vided and the relative proximity 5,000 parking spaces
of the field complex to downtown
Denver, the stage would be set for 1 mile from Northfield Stapleton Shopping Center
every team to play their very best
football. 9 miles from Downtown Denver

Elevate Your Game 9

10 Denver 2012 Bid Book
 Denver is excited to host an inaugural Wom-
en’s Division of eight teams for Gay Bowl XII.
The tournament will be run in accordance
with existing NGFFL rules and field dimensions,

The Women and will take place alongside the Open Divi-
sion at Dick’s. Our goal is to introduce the na-
tion to the integrated and competitive com-
munity we enjoy here in Denver, and serve to
build a community of male and female foot-
ballers nationwide. The tournament will also
introduce female footballers from around the
country to the NGFFL and help foster partici-
pation, whether through existing city leagues
or in the creation of new leagues.

In order to gauge and generate interest in our

concept and Gay Bowl XII, the committee has
reached out to women’s leagues in other ma-
jor cities, including St. Louis, Chicago, and New
York. The Women’s American Flag Football
Federation hosts an organization of women’s
clubs around the country and has become a
great resource for contacting teams.

One of the strengths of the DGLFFL is the fact

that our entire community comes together to
participate. No other LGBT league in Denver
builds community like our flag-football league,
and we’d love the opportunity to elevate a
similar experience to the national level by
bringing more of us together. Having an
Open Division affords the chance for anyone
with game - male or female - to bring his or
her best shot. But having a Women’s Division
appropriately showcases the skills we know
our Denver women can bring. Does your city
have what it takes?!

Eight women’s teams from across the country

competing under NGFFL rules

Community with our fellow LGBT flag football

players

Opportunity for national exposure of the

NGFFL to create women’s or integrated
leagues in other cities

Elevate Your Game 11

The Downtown

The heart of downtown Denver is the 16th Street

Mall, a one-mile long pedestrian promenade
lined with trees, outdoor cafes and inviting shops.
This is the place to see and be seen anytime in
Denver. Free buses service the mall stopping at
every corner making the trip from one end to the
other an ease. In total, the 16th Street Mall houses
7,500 hotel rooms and over 300 restaurants satisfy-
ing every desire.

The 26 square blocks of Lower Downtown, called

“LoDo” by locals, are home to the largest collec-
tion of Victorian and 19th Century buildings in the
nation. Today, these 100-year-old brick ware-
houses have been converted into art galleries,
trendy restaurants, sports bars, rooftop cafes, mu-
sic clubs and brewpubs.

12 Denver 2012 Bid Book

 The Accommodation

Warwick Hotel Sheraton Denver Crowne Plaza

1776 Grant Street 1550 Court Place 1450 Glenarm Place

200 Rooms 500 Rooms 250 Rooms

$125-150 Room Rates $150 Maximum Room Rate $125-150 Room Rates

Special Amenities: Special Amenities: Special Amenities:

Heated rooftop pool Multiple Restaurants & Bars Restaurant & coffee shop
Restaurant & Bar Located on 16th Street mall Outdoor pool area
One blk from 17th St. Gay Outdoor heated pool LGBT Friendly
Blvd Conference Space Conference Space
Conference Space
Apres Football
In accordance with Colorado’s
alpine tradition, we envision a
Downtown Denver is one of the most walkable urban areas couple hours of rest and relax-
anywhere in the country, but especially in the west. Within ation after each full day of foot-
a mile radius, and connected by the 16th Street Mall, you ball. Join us on the roofdeck of
can stumble upon the 2nd largest performing arts complex the Warwick for drinks, hot tubs,
in the nation, the Colorado Convention Center, a profes- and views of the sunset through
sional football, basketball and baseball stadium, LoDo’s the Rocky Mountains. Take care
nightlife and Denver’s 17th Street Gay District. A fusion of of your body and unwind as you
shops, restaurants and bars, 17th Street is a laid-back and recount what happened during
safe boulevard welcoming all. the day and plan for the next...

Elevate Your Game 13

The Socials
WEDNESDAY
The Gay Bowl Pre-Party!
We can’t wait for you to join
us for a pre-play evening
of fun and frivolity. The Gay
Bowl has grown consider-
ably over the years, and due
to the competitive nature
of the weekend, it has be-
come somewhat difficult to
intermingle with other partic-
ipants. So come to Denver
a day early and enjoy what
the Mile High City has to of-
fer. We’d love to have you!
14 Denver 2012 Bid Book
THURSDAY
Brunch
The Denver Gay and Les-
bian Flag Football League
will be hosting a “Hangover
Brunch” for all the early risers
at Hamburger Mary’s. The
Hamburger Mary’s franchise
stretches across the nation,
but the Denver experience is
one of a kind. It’s a tradition
for us, so come “Eat, Drink,
and Be Mary!”
THURSDAY NIGHT
Welcome & Registration Party
After you get checked in
at the hotel, it’s time to get
the party started. Wynkoop
Brewing Company is Colo-
rado’s first brewpub and our
first “official” stop. This is an
ideal spot to welcome old
and new friends, as well as
do some trash talkin’. Aside
from the great selection of
beer and food, the Wynkoop
is Denver’s best pool hall. The
second floor has 22 pool ta-
bles, two private pool rooms,
several dart lanes, and an
additional bar with all the
same delicious beers. Let
the competitions begin!
 If Denver is selected as the host city in 2012, the social calendar
will be considerably elevated – 5280 feet to be exact!
FRIDAY NIGHT
Denver’s gay community has
a lot to offer both men and
women. While the Denver
experience of integration is
one of the key elements of
our bid, we also value the
opportunity to have respec-
tive girls’ and boys’ nights
out! So our ladies would like
to treat your ladies to a night
on the town. And as for the
fellas, you will be well looked
after – don’t you worry…
SATURDAY NIGHT
Two-step and/or club it up!
Charlie’s of Denver is low
key and welcoming for both
men and women. This is the
one place in Denver where
you will find a little bit of ev-
erything. In good ol’ Denver
fashion, Saturday night will
have a fun theme for all of
the Gay Bowl participants.
We want the out-of-town
guests to be easily identifi-
able so our Colorado folks
can show you a good time!
SUNDAY NIGHT
Closing Ceremonies at
Denver Center Performing
Arts, Seawell Grand
Ballroom
With an amazing view of the
mountains and the city sky-
line, the Seawell Grand Ball-
room is an excellent space
for the closing ceremonies
of Gay Bowl XII. The Denver
Center for the Performing
Arts is an active supporter
of the LGBT community and
its athletes, and they prom-
ise to entertain and treat us
like the kings and queens we
are!
Elevate Your Game 15
The Budget
Projected Revenues Amount
Corporate Sponsors $22,500
Sponsor Bars $6,000
Fundraising $10,000
Team Registration $20,000
Host Hotel Rebate $7,500
Private Donations $6,000

TOTAL REVENUES $72,000

Projected Expenses
Fields $20,000
Officials $9,500
Equipment $1,000
Water $1,500
Marketing/Promotions $2,000
Opening Ceremonies $5,000
Closing Ceremonies $15,000
Insurance $300
Trophies/Awards $1,000
Players Bags $13,200
Miscellaneous $3,500

TOTAL EXPENSES $72,000

16 Denver 2012 Bid Book


Denver is planning a first-class experience for
Gay Bowl XII. We have the experience and
plans to raise the necessary funding for this
much-anticipated event. The fundraising plan
we propose to raise money from local spon-
Establish payment receivable process with local
sors which include local companies and event
venues. Colorado has numerous local com-
panies, bars and restaurants that are eager
to gain exposure to the LGBT community. Our
experience in fundraising for the Denver Gay
& Lesbian Flag Football League has opened
doors to these local businesses, and we will
supplement these sponsorship opportunities
with local fundraising events in conjunction
with the DGLFFL. These resources will allow us
to elevate your Gay Bowl experience.
We enjoy a strategic partnership with Team
Colorado, a 501(c)3 nonprofit LGBT sports or-
ganization that stands ready to host the 2015
North America Outgames in Denver. This re-
lationship positions us to raise money not only
from corporate marketing sponsorships, but
from local, private, public, and corporate
foundations as well.
about Gay Bowl XII, solicit individual donations
Conduct town hall to provide Gay Bowl Information
The Fundraising
April 2011
Draft sponsorship information packet
Recruit sponsorship development members
league
Finalize hotel RFP to hosting/revenue sharing
Identify/prospect corporate sponsorships
May 2011
Secure Corporate Sponsor #1
Develop ideas for trade opportunities
June -August 2011
Participate in fundraising event #1
Hold major donor ‘Seed Money’ event
Secure Corporate Sponsor #2
September-October 2011
Conduct fundraising event #2
Identify/prospect potential bar sponsor bars
Attend Gay Bowl XI in Houston
Meet with Houston’s fundraising team
November – December 2011
Secure trade agreements
Secure Corporate Sponsor #3
Website goes “live”
January – February 2012
Create online marketing campaign
update operations plan with NGFFL Board
Secure Corporate Sponsor #4
March 2012
to the local league and increase buy-in
Conduct fundraising event #3
April - May 2012
Secure Corporate Sponsor #5
Conduct fundraising event # 4
June -September 2012
Begin collecting team registration dues
Conduct fundraising event # 5
October 2012
Collect hotel revenue share
Collect host bar sponsorship fees
Elevate Your Game 17
18 Denver 2012 Bid Book
Dear NGFFL Members, The Date
Thank you for taking the time to consider our bid. While the Denver Gay Bowl XII Bid Committee is very confident
that we can elevate gay flag football in 2012, we understand that many of you may have a reaction to our
proposed change of weekend. As someone who has participated in the Gay Bowl for eight years since 2003, I
understand that initial reaction entirely.

But once I considered the pros and cons for a Denver Gay Bowl on an earlier weekend, it became clear to me
that the reasons why this has become my favorite weekend of the year have nothing to do with the date, but
everything to do with the experience. And when it comes to your experience, please consider this:

• Dick’s Sporting Goods Park: Home of the champion Colorado Rapids of the MLS, Dick’s is one of the pre-
mier sporting facilities you’ll find anywhere. From the number of fields at our disposal (12), to the quality
of the natural turf, to the amenities and services that will be at our finger tips, we know that a tournament
at Dick’s will be a fantastic and comfortable experience for everyone involved. Unfortunately, Dick’s is
booked into the foreseeable future on Columbus Day weekend, prompting consideration for an earlier
date. But once we thought about what an earlier date could mean, we became sold on the notion that
a date in September makes sense for this tournament in this part of the country.

• Weather: Many of you will recall the snowfall we experienced at GBVIII in Salt Lake City. While it was
beautiful, it wasn’t the safest of conditions. October can be a very dicey time in the Rocky Mountains –
one day can be sunny and 70; the next can be snowy and 30. Holding the tournament two weeks earlier
ensures a much better chance at warmer temps (average high of 76; low of 47), 40 additional minutes
of daylight to view our snowcapped mountains, and blue bird days (Denver is one of the sunniest cities
in the country, averaging 300 sunny days per year!). If one of the NGFFL’s goals is geographic diversity,
and a city that has not hosted the Gay Bowl to date – the Mile High City – is a desired destination, then
weather is something that should be factored into the calculus.

• Precedent and Conflicts: While this would be a new precedent for the Gay Bowl, it would not be new for
gay sports in general. The NAGAAA Softball World Series is traditionally held during a week in August. But
when Phoenix was awarded the bid for 2010, the tournament was held in October due to the excessive
desert heat in August. Moreover, there are a number of competing gay sporting events on Columbus
Day weekend, namely softball tournaments in San Diego, the District of Columbia, Kansas City, and
Rhode Island, as well as tennis tournaments in Las Vegas and Texas. We know of no competing tourna-
ments the weekend of September 21.

In closing, we ask you to ask yourselves how important the date of Columbus Day weekend really is. Given that
most of us do not have off from work that Monday, most of us would be taking at least two days off regardless of
when the event is held. Is it the date that’s important, or is it the experience?

We think it’s the latter. And we promise to elevate gay flag football to new heights if you join us in Colorado the
weekend of September 21, 2012. Thanks again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Patrick McIntyre and the Denver Gay Bowl XII Bid Committee

Elevate Your Game 19

 The Committee

Back Row(left to right): Joe Cooper, Patrick McIntyre, Andy McCallin

Front Row (left to right): Mollie Lehman, James Warner, Matt Formanack, Becky Lee

Mollie Lehman
Mollie Lehman moved from Boston to Denver six years ago to pursue her MBA
and very quickly realized the natural beauty this state had to offer, and has re-
mained a Coloradoan ever since. As a young child she participated in multiple
sports and even played pick-up tackle football games with the neighborhood
boys. As a former collegiate softball athlete she has spent the last nine years as
an administrator in intercollegiate sports, with her primary focus on event man-
agement. She participated in the inaugural DGLFFL and has been an integral
part of building its growth and success by volunteering her efforts on multiple
committees as well as serving as a captain this past year. Mollie is extremely
passionate about bringing the Gay Bowl to Denver and is looking forward to
combining her enthusiasm of event planning and absolute love of sports to
connect the flag football community.

Contact: gaybowlxii@denvergayflagfootball.com

20 Denver 2012 Bid Book

Joe Cooper
Joe Cooper has been involved in gay flag football in Denver since it took root here in 2008. Joe was
a co-founding and original Board member of the Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League. He
also served as the league’s second commissioner, contributing in this role for both the 2009 Spring and
Fall seasons. Under his leadership, the league grew from 60 registered players (6 teams of 10) to 140
registered players (10 teams of 14). Joe has also been a player on the NGFFL member Denver Summit
since it was formed in 2008. He has played for the Summit in all three Gay Bowls and both Chicago
PRIDE Bowls in which the team has participated. Professionally, Joe is a business consultant specializing
in analytics for a Fortune 100 company.
Matt Formanack
Growing up in Nebraska Matt was indoctrinated into the religion of football at an early age, and his
convictions remain strong today. Playing throughout his youth, Matt savors the continued opportunity
to compete on the grid iron in both the NGFFL and the DGLFFL. With a deep love for Colorado, Matt
is honored to help bring the Gay Bowl to the Mile High City.
Becky Lee
Becky Lee has lived in Denver, Colorado for 12 years. She moved for a job and only planned to stay
a few years before moving on, but had a hard time moving from 300 days of sunshine. So instead she
has enjoyed the sun through a variety of sports leagues. Most recently she joined the Denver Gay and
Lesbian Flag Football league, and has served as a captain for the most recent season. She has en-
joyed the opportunity to play with and get to know not only more gay women in her community but
also more gay men through the integrated league. She is excited to help organize a new women's
tournament as part of the national Gay Bowl and represent the co-ed flag football community here
in Denver.
Andy McCallin
Andy is the co-chair of the sponsorship committee for the Colorado Gay Bowl XII Organizing Com-
mittee. Andy was one of the original players in the Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football League
(“DGLFFL”) in 2008, when the league consisted of 6 teams with 60 total players. Andy served on the
DGLFFL board in 2009 and became commissioner of the league in 2010. During Andy’s tenure as
commissioner the DGLFFL raised nearly $15,000 in sponsorships and donations. The league also grew
to 14 teams with over 200 registered players. Andy is a First Assistant Attorney General in the Colorado
Attorney General’s Office. Andy also serves on the boards and fundraising committees for nonprofit
organizations in Colorado that are devoted to increasing diversity in the legal profession and advanc-
ing rights of LGBT individuals.
Patrick McIntyre
A veteran of eight Gay Bowls, Patrick McIntyre has long identified Gay Bowl weekend as the best
weekend of the year. Currently the director of business development for mGive, the nation's leading
mobile engagement service provider for the non-profit sector, Patrick has also held leadership posts
with United Way Australia in Sydney and United Way of America in Washington, DC. When he's not
playing some big gay sport, he's likely harassing you with his progressive politics on facebook or desper-
ately hoping someone will laugh at his jokes. A believer in travel and the notion that life is short, Patrick
would love nothing more than to host his football friends at a higher level and let them in on the secret
that is the Mile High City.

James Warner
James Warner started playing with the Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football League (DGLFFL) and
Denver Summit in 2009. A Georgia native, his flag football play was initiated with the National Gay
Flag Football League of Atlanta. James currently serves on the DGLFFL Board as the Volunteer Chair,
and he is co captain of the Denver Summit. James has a ton of energy and is looking forward to the
opportunity to show off the city of Denver with his fabulous party planning skills. As an experienced
competitor in the Gay Bowl and as the Social Ambassador for Denver, James will be pulling out all the
stops to make Gay Bowl 2012 the most “fabulous” weekend in Gay Bowl history!

Elevate Your Game 21

The Support DENVERSUMMIT

March 1, 2011

Ms. Mollie Lehman

Denver Gay Bowl Bid Committee

Dear Mollie:

You and your colleagues who are pursuing a bid to host the Gay Bowl in 2012 have the
enthusiastic support of the Denver Summit. Hosting GBXII would present a great
opportunity to showcase the impressive gay flag-football community that Denver has
built. And as you know, Denver is simply a great city for an event like this.

The Denver Summit strives to play competitive flag football and to do so with class. To
us, sportsmanship and congeniality is a top priority. As a result of entering into a
national tournament such as this one, we have made friends and formed lasting bonds
with other teams across the United States. It would be a pleasure to host our friends and
competitors from around the country in the beautiful state of Colorado.

The Gay Bowl is about playing great football, celebrating the athleticism within the
LGBT community, and our ability to create community through recreational sports. We
think Denver is a model that the rest of the national gay flag-football community should
see. Denver’s LGBT athletic community is very active and thrives against the backdrop
of the great Rocky Mountains.

Thank you so much for this opportunity. The Denver Summit whole heartedly supports
you and your Gay Bowl Bid Committee. We are grateful. We wish you the best of luck,
and will help however we can.

Bring the 2012 Gay Bowl to Denver!

Sincerely,

Thomas Klausner
Denver Summit 2011 Captain

22 Denver 2012 Bid Book

January 19, 2011

Ms. Mollie Lehman

Denver Gay Bowl
2012 Committee
Via email .pdf to MollieLehman@yahoo.com

Dear Ms. Lehman:

I am delighted to hear that the Denver Gay Bowl 2012 Committee is pursuing a bid for the 2012
Gay Bowl in Denver. I, along with the rest of the Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League
(DGLFFL) community stand behind this bid to host the 2012 Gay Bowl in Denver. This
historic effort will showcase Denver, Colorado in an national spotlight and will highlight the
spirit of our local LGBT community via the sport and community of Flag Football all of which
the DGLFFL hold dear to its mission.
As the current Commissioner for the Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League, I am happy
to share that the DGLFFL is one of Denver fastest growing LGBT sporting organizations in
Denver. Our unique co-ed model has allowed us to grow up to 14 teams with a continual demand
for more. Our inclusive approach has allowed individuals from a multitude of backgrounds find a
home within our league. As acting Commissioner and on behalf of the rest of the LGBT flag
football community, I strongly believe that Denver would be an excellent fit for the 2012 Gay
Bowl and would be an excellent platform to showcase Denver’s diverse and robust LGBT
athletics.
The Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League strongly supports the bid to host the 2012 Gay
Bowl.
Sincerely,

Patrick R. Oakes
Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League
Commissioner 2011
Patrick.Oakes@denvergayflagfootball.com
PatrickROakes@gmail.com
(303) 669-6244

Elevate Your Game 23

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24 Denver 2012 Bid Book

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www.denvergov.org/GLBT_Commission
www.denverglbtcommission.com
www.denverglbtcommission.info
www.denverglbtcommission.net

Elevate Your Game 25

 January 31, 2011

Denver Gay Bowl Bid Committee

Tournament Director Mollie Lehman

RE: Support for the 2012 Denver Gay Bowl Bid

Dear Ms. Lehman:

Team Colorado supports wholeheartedly the Denver Gay Bowl Bid Committee’s pursuit to host
the 2012 National Gay Flag Football League’s Gay Bowl Tournament in Denver. This historic
effort will showcase Denver in a national spotlight by connecting the local LGBT community
through the sport of Flag Football.

Team Colorado, is the oldest gay and lesbian sporting organization in Colorado. We have been
promoting LGBT athletes and their endeavors since 1982. Also Denver was recently rated the
13th “Gayest” city in the USA, as rated by the Lesbian and Gay index from the US Census
bureau. Denver has also been rated the No 1 Sporting City TWICE by the Sporting News.

We believe the Gay Bowl will promote a positive social and competitive athletic environment
here in Colorado and we know that Denver will be a very welcoming city and environment to
host your competition and championships.

Team Colorado strongly supports Denver Gay Bowl 2012 Committee’s bid to host the 2012
National Flag Football Gay Bowl.

Sincerely,

Sonya Jaquez Lewis, RPH MBA

Co-President

Team Colorado USA www.teamcoloradousa.org teamcoloradousa@gmail.com

(Team Colorado of the Rockies, Inc Colorado Secretary of State certificate 7596327)

26 Denver 2012 Bid Book

Elevate Your Game 27