'MO - August 2008 - (Page 20)

cover story taKe me out (continued from page 19) click here to comment on the cover story. THE 20 0 8 EVENT LINEUP Saturday, Aug. 23rd Sunday, Aug. 24th Monday, Aug. 25 th and 19 Women’s teams, making almost 50 LGBT teams in the area.” Frank went on to dispel the idea that gays play on gay teams because they can’t cut the mustard on straight ones. This myth is one that competing teams adopt at their peril. “I think that gay athletes, especially from the softball side, get extra respect after we play straight teams because we are always competitive, and often win. Before the game their stereotype might have been that they’d have ‘an easy win,’ but out on the ﬁeld, we prove that we’re very competitive.” The numbers prove this assertion correct and fans can anticipate seeing some serious ball out on the diamond while they’re root, root, rooting for the home teams. In four out of ﬁve previous Series, Seattle divisions have brought home at least one division championship. Winning isn’t everything though, as both Frank and Daniel pointed out. “We think the league is organized around the idea of creating a place for everyone to be able to play. A lot of people might have been the last one to be picked in gym class, but there is always a place for them. Team sports, with 10 players out on a ﬁeld, creates a big family, a big sense of camaraderie. Anybody can play a position. If they’re not the fastest runner there are different positions in the inﬁeld that someone could play.” “And as those people become more skilled they can move up in division to play with Open Division Registration at Sea-Tac Marriott Kickball Tournaments Women’s Division Registration at Renton Holiday Inn Opening Ceremonies at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater Games begin at 8am! Pool Party, BBQ and Swimsuit Show at Seattle Airport Hilton Series 2008 Mariners Night at Safeco Field Talent show at Seattle Airport Hilton Storm Night at Key Arena ASANA Fundraiser at Neighbours RPlace Block Party Tuesday, Aug. 26th Wednesday, Aug. 27th Thursday, Aug. 28th Friday, Aug. 29th Saturday. Aug. 30 th Legends Game at Russell Road Park Championship Saturday Games and Carnival Closing Ceremonies Purr Closing Night Block Party better and better players,” said Frank. “Our upper level players also take on mentoring and coaching of the lower.” Gay teams have a strong competitive spirit and an admirable degree of technical skill but they also demonstrate high-levels of good sportsmanship. “Input from the local umpires association (which is not gay) was that they thoroughly enjoy umpiring our games because there is a lot less drama involved,” commented Frank. Photo creDit: maLcoLm smith Representing the Women’s Division: (l-r) Carrie Decaires (Changes), Rachel Ramseur (Outlaws), Jenny Downing (Lunachix), Amy Berman (R Place), Jessica Swenson (Bar Hoppers), Shelly Arndt (Vibe), Heather Tracy (A Crew) and Teal Jarzyna (NW Connexion). 20 The idea is not so ironic after considering the emphasis LGBT players place on team spirit. “I came out later in life and within three months was in a relationship. The only gay friends I had were my partner’s friends. I originally joined the league to make some friends of my own and some of the best I’ve had over the years are those I met in softball.” Daniel agreed, “Any Sunday you can be with other people who enjoy competitive sports instead of just hanging out in a bar the whole day. The friends you meet are awesome.” Despite the size and buzz surrounding the event, the organizers have kept the focus on the games. “We were toying with the idea of securing some big name entertainment for the opening or closing ceremonies, but with a two-plushour agenda, and trying to limit people to 10 minutes, hiring entertainers for such a short time wasn’t practical. Our focus for this World Series is on Seattle and local activists like Dave Kopay and Grethe Cammermeyer. Otherwise, the Space Needle is our celebrity.” To volunteer at the 2008 Gay Softball World Series email volunteer@series2008. org. Opportunities range from registration, hospitality, opening and closing ceremonies and ﬁeld support. For more information on the Series, and a full listing of events, please visit www. Series2008.org. celebrating seattle’s gay community http://www.series2008.org http://www.series2008.org http://www.series2008.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of 'MO - August 2008

'MO - August 2008 Contents Letter From The Editor Voices Coors Joins the Fight to Erase Hate Pet Project ’mo-BIZ: Ajaxx63 Northern Xposure Returns Lambert House Offers Youth Support Beijing, China The 2008 Gay Softball World Series in Seattle Form & Function: Vacation Nutrition An Account of the STP Bicycle Classic Book Review: Family Outing by Troy Johnson Capitol Hill Guide Live Event Review: Teatro ZinZanni’s Quest for a Queendom SceneOut: People@Places

'MO - August 2008

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