Sydney's tournament in 2002 was greatly enhanced by the early and enthusiastic involvement of the local wrestling community and the legacy left by the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Tournament organizers: Kurt Brinschwitz, Peter Verey, who had worked on the Sydney Olympics, and Gene Dermody

Larry Papadopolous and his wife, Aly, owners of the "Boxing Works" on Castlereigh, let the wrestlers work out and weigh themselves all week. They also hosted the wrestlers' party, and processed a lot of the tournament paperwork.

New South Wales Wrestling's (NSWW) support was crucial, especially that of Don Brown and the mat officials.

A new addition to the Gay Games program was a novice day for wrestlers new to the sport. It proved to be a great success.

Australian Olympian Leonard Zaslavsky's program for the novices inspired many of the elite and experienced wrestlers to pitch in and help out with the coaching. Many of the

The Russian Connection: Sydney officials Maya Feigleman (Sydney), Alex Ostrovskiy (San Francisco) and Sam Feigleman (Sydney). Alex and Sam were teammates on the 1956 Soviet national team.

The novice program added an element of camaraderie and fun to the event that settled the wrestlers' nerves heading into the Monday tournament.

Sydney Coach Brendan O'Shea, organizer Barry Webb, and the other wrestlers of the Harbor City WC (HCWC) — Andy Quan, Gilbert Gundersen, and Neil Bowyer — were gracious hosts and tough wrestlers.