Dewey Ames was a Michigan native, residing in the Detroit Metro Area. As an active member of the gay community, Ames joined and organized the Detroit team, and later Team Great Lakes, which both participated in the Gay Games. The games began in 1982 as a cultural event for the purpose of unity and identity within the national and international gay and lesbian community. Ames was also involved in charity and fundraising events supporting a local AIDS organization.
From the guide to the Dewey Ames Papers, 1992-1998, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)