San Francisco Fog rugby team members are honoring Mark Bingham, a passenger on United Flight 93 who helped thwart hijackers on September 11, 2001, by maintaining a legacy of inclusive sportsmanship and active community remembrance. Bingham, a former player for the San Francisco Fog and the Golden Gate Rugby Club, died when Flight 93 crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania, after passengers revolted against the hijackers.
Mark Bingham and the San Francisco Fog Legacy
Mark Bingham co-founded the San Francisco Fog, America’s first predominantly gay-inclusive rugby club, in 2000. According to club history, Bingham envisioned a space where gay athletes could compete openly in a traditionally hyper-masculine sport without fear of discrimination. His efforts on Flight 93 prevented the plane from reaching its intended target in Washington, D.C., saving countless lives.
“Mark was a larger-than-life character who broke barriers on the pitch and courageously gave his life for his country,” said San Francisco Fog club president Derrick Gould in historical team statements. The team carries his name forward through annual memorials and by instilling his values of camaraderie and toughness in new players.
The Bingham Cup: Global Inclusion in Rugby
Bingham’s impact extends far beyond the San Francisco Bay Area through the biennial Bingham Cup, officially known as the Mark Bingham Cup. Established in 2002, the international tournament serves as the World Championship of gay and inclusive rugby. According to International Gay Rugby (IGR) records, the tournament has grown from eight teams in its inaugural year in Dublin to dozens of clubs competing globally.
- Inaugural Tournament: Held in Dublin, Ireland, in 2002 with 8 teams.
- Growth: Expands internationally every two years, drawing thousands of amateur athletes worldwide.
- Mission: Promotes inclusivity, challenges homophobia in sports, and honors Bingham’s memory through athletic competition.
Continuing the Mission on the Pitch
The San Francisco Fog continues to field competitive squads in Pacific Northwest leagues, operating as an open club welcoming players of all sexual orientations and skill levels. According to club representatives, the team uses its platform to mentor youth programs and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in mainstream athletics. Annual tributes held every September bring together current players, alumni, and local community leaders to reflect on Bingham’s sacrifice and ensure his leadership style continues to shape the next generation of rugby players.
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