The San Francisco Track and Field Club (SFTFC) seeks to dignify, to promote gay and lesbian athletes and to be inclusive of all ages (Open, Masters, Seniors), all genders, all races and all abilities. We stress the joy of sport while attempting to nurture athletic ability, always encouraging each other to strive for personal best achievements. You set the goals; we help you get there with a training program and support that has been a model of gay sports since our beginning. We hope to provide an avenue for athletes to show their talent, pride, courage and ability to endure.
History
The San Francisco Track and Field Club began in the Fall of 1982, immediately following the first Gay Games in San Francisco. Dr. Tom Waddell, founder of the Gay Games, had put together a team of athletes to represent San Francisco in track and field at the Games. Those athletes had such a positive and uplifting experience from participating in the 1st Gay Games that they banded together to form the San Francisco Track and Field Club. The formation of the Club enabled them to stay together and to continue training and competing in the years between each Gay Games, allowing them to strive for personal excellence in athletics, which is a hallmark of Waddell’s Gay Games philosophy.
Training and competition
The San Francisco Track and Field Club meets every Sunday morning during a season that generally lasts from late January to early October. The team also meets in the evening during the week. There are a number of track meets available to athletes, from local all-comer meets to National Championships. A list of potential meets is available at each practice. Everyone is encouraged to participate at the level they feel comfortable with. No one is forced to compete or to come to practice. You set your own personal goals and limits. You are encouraged to have a weight-training program of their own during off days.
Costs
In 2023, we started charging yearly membership dues of $55 to cover our operating costs, such as coaching and our annual Pride Meet. However, new members can come to 3 free practices before committing to a membership.
The Club is a member of Team San Francisco, the blanket sports organization for San Francisco teams competing at the Gay Games. There is a separate fee for participating in the Gay Games, if you wish to do so. Additionally, if you choose to participate in USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned meets (the National Governing Body for track and field), individuals are encouraged to become members of USATF. Visit USATF Pacific Association website for membership and club number.
Board of Directors
The activities and affairs of San Francisco Track and Filed Club are conducted by the Board of Directors. Regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Board of Directors, please read Article 3 of the SFT&FC Bylaws.
2023 SFTFC Board of Directors
President – Arun Bordoloi
Vice President / Secretary – Alice Smith
Treasurer – Austin Jones
Web Editor – Nicholas Bowers
Coaching – Chris Goodwin
Pride Meet Director and FR Rep – Andrew Sturner
Federation of Gay Games Rep – Sean Au / Norma Lopez
Marketing – Jamie Austin
Social Media – Emily Allen
EuroGames Representative – Phil Aguilar
Board meetings
Board Meetings are held monthly and are open to everyone. Check the Events page for exact location and time. Board meeting minutes are posted in our Google Drive.