MISSION
Seeking to promote a healthy and productive lifestyle through athletic endeavors, the Gene & John Athletic Fund of Stonewall provides support for gay and lesbian athletes. Principal objectives of the Fund are to promote the value of athletics for a rewarding life, to strengthen a sense of community among gay and lesbian people, and to showcase role models and promote respect for GLBT athletes.

GOALS
Promote the Value of Athletics for a Rewarding Life
Athletics have brought Gene and John rich rewards: a productive lifestyle, good health, deep friendships, and a wide network of contacts. The aim of their Fund is to promote these benefits for future generations of gay and lesbian athletes by:

creating awareness of athletic opportunities and organizations
for gays and lesbians

encouraging gays and lesbians to participate in athletics

facilitating cooperation among gay and lesbian athletic organizations

Offering encouragement and inspiration as well as financial support, the Fund will provide GLBT athletes with something people of Gene's and John's generation did not have: a reliable pool of resources to help them reach their potential.

Strengthen the Gay and Lesbian Community
Gene and John first participated in the Gay Games in 1990 in Vancouver (Gay Games III). Inspired by the heartwarming reception of other gay athletes, the healthy competition, and the shared commitment to athletic striving, the couple has competed in every subsequent edition of the Gay Games. Through their continued participation in the Games, they have forged strong friendships and a wide network. It is their hope that the Fund will help to grow and fortify the gay and lesbian athletic community for years to come.

Promote Positive Role Models Respect for Gay and Lesbian Athletes
In the years Gene and John have been together they have been encouraged by the positive example set by gay athletes, who are becoming recognized as equals to their straight counterparts. The Gay Games and other competitions have expanded the pool of gay and lesbian role models. The Fund will establish The Gay and Lesbian Athletic Hall of Fame^SM to recognize outstanding achievement consistent with the organization's objectives. Through the Hall of Fame and other activities, the Gene & John Athletic Fund of Stonewall will promote positive role models in the gay and lesbian community and accelerate the acceptance of and respect for gay and lesbian athletes in the general population.