Mr. Picaud spent the first half of October touring three major California markets promoting registrations for Gay Games 10. He returned to Paris on 16 October to help prepare for the FGG’s annual meeting taking place starting 26 October.
The trip started in Los Angeles at a reception 5 October at the elegant residence of Christophe Lemoine, Consul General de France. Among others, this event was attended by 1968 Brazilian Olympic swimming legend Paulo Figueiredo, who has won more Gay Games medals than any other aquatic athlete, and Mike Wallace, who has participated in each of the previous nine Gay Games.
On 7 October, Manuel and local host Shamey Cramer (FGG Officer of Development), drove to Palm Springs to meet locals at a “Meet & Greet” event at Hunters Bar. While there, they also met with Met with HLMs and Tom Waddell Awards winners Paul Mart (now 99 years old!) and Gene Dermody.
On to San Francisco, where another reception took place 12 October at the residence of the Consul General of France, Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens. Taking place just a few blocks from Kezar Stadium, site of Gay Games I and II, among the VIPs in attendance were Gene Dermody, Rick Thoman, and Derek Liecty, each of whom has attended each of the 9 Gay Games.
On 14 October, Manuel joined local FGG Board members Doug Litwin and Martha Ehrenfeld at the OurTownSF Nonprofit Expo. More than 125 LGBT nonprofits were represented. Lots of great connections were made, and a live Pétanque demo was held to engage people in this popular French sport.
