Seven Chicago softball teams ventured west in search of a World Series title and one returned victorious. One hundred twenty-one teams participated in the 26th Gay Softball World Series held by the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance ( NAGAAA ) in Portland, Ore., Aug. 18-25.
Formed in 1977, NAGAAA is an international nonprofit organization comprised of men and women dedicated to promoting amateur athletics for the queer community. NAGAAA was formed to encourage the participation of gay men and lesbians in organized softball competition. Currently, almost 50 LGBT softball leagues in about 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada are members of NAGAAA. Teams representing these leagues participate in NAGAAA's Gay Softball World Series ( GSWS ) , hosted each year by a different member city.
NAGAAA currently has two divisions: Open and Women's. The Women's Division is composed exclusively of women's teams and has two divisions: a competitive and an alternative. The Open Division is comprised of teams made up of men and women or teams that are exclusively male. In addition, the Open Division is further classified into four divisions: A, B, C and D. These classifications pertain to the competitive level of play.
2002 was the first time the GSWS featured an Open D Division and Chicago's own, Little Dog Properties, brought home the title. Nine teams entered this groundbreaking division but Little Dogs wound up in front of the pack. Not only will Little Dogs get the first trophy for the division, every member will receive a ring in recognition of their champion status. These are two firsts in NAGAAA history.
Marking their first tournament as a team, this win also represents a first in the history of the Little Dogs Properties team. Winning the GSWS right off the bat doesn't leave this team many other tournaments that will be as significant to win. Undoubtedly, however, they will have to defend the title against the second-place San Francisco Comets and the many other teams that will be back next August.
All told, Chicago was pretty well represented, backing teams in four of six divisions. Two of the three Chicago LGBT leagues are sanctioned by NAGAAA. The Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ( CMSA ) sent five teams to the Series. Chicago Spin and Annex III Harmony played in the Open B division, which held 22 teams. Sidetrack Assault and Hunters represented CMSA in the Open C division in a pool of 33 teams and finally, Little Dog Properties. The Windy City Athletic Association ( WCAA ) sent two teams this year; one men's and one women's. The women's team, Chicago Energy, competed in the Women's Alternative division.
CMSA became a NAGAAA-sanctioned league in the 1980s. Although the research isn't complete, in well over a decade and a half, it looks as if this is the first Gay Softball World Series championship CMSA has brought home.
CMSA's Sidetrack Assault placed 2nd two years ago when the Series was held in Toronto, but after winning five games in a row in Portland, they lost two back to back, effectively being eliminated. One division where Chicago is notably absent is the Open A division. Eleven teams entered, yet for the ninth year in a row, the LA Stray Cats have taken the title.
While the dates, people and places are sketchy, one thing is for sure, Chicago has had a first place team in the NAGAAA Gay World Series, but it's been a long time. Representing the Windy City Athletic Association ( WCAA ) at a time when there were no skill divisions and about 17-19 teams participating, Sidetrack ( Chicago ) beat Atlanta to win the Series the one and only time it was held here in Chicago, scoring two other firsts for the second city.
If memory serves, a WCAA women's team also captured championship trophies at the annual series.
Finally, CMSA is planning to make history again. A committee comprised of men and women from this local sports association are organizing the first annual Chi-Town Softball Classic. Using the NAGAAA division format, this tournament is scheduled for July 4th weekend 2003. Long-term plans include a bid to host the Gay World Series in Chicago again. What could be more appropriate for the city that invented softball?
In local news, here are the Division Champions from the CMSA Open 12" Softball League:
Div. 1 - Chicago Spin
Div. 2 - Big Chick's
Div. 3 - Little Dog Properties
Div. 4 - Jackhammer
Div. 5 - Nutbush
Pride Ride Raises Thousands for TPAN
On Aug. 24, The Pride Ride, 14 bicyclists and five volunteer crewmembers, left Chicago on a two-day, 190-mile round-trip journey to Lake Geneva, Wisc. Test Positive Aware Network was awarded nearly $10,000 in donations from Pride Ride participants after the organization's inaugural bicycle ride fundraiser.
"We created the Pride Ride to raise funds for local organizations that impact our community," stated Pride Ride co-organizer Barry Aldridge. "It was a relief to know that we were able to manage all of the logistics of the event with minimal cost. I wanted to make sure that all of the money the riders raised went to TPAN, not to production."
Charles Clifton, executive director of TPAN noted, "We are thrilled to have been a part of such an important community event. Each of these riders and volunteers clearly embody the spirit of the peer-led leadership and empowerment that we at TPAN strive for. Not only in their giving of time and energy, but also for reaching into their individual communities. These riders raised much needed funds so that we may continue to deliver the services expected of us."
It is the mission of Pride Ride to raise funds to support grassroots organizations in the Chicago area whose focus is on healthcare and outreach in the LGBT community. Ride organizers have set a date for Pride Ride II, Aug. 23-24, 2003. Next years' ride will expand to include approximately 150 bicyclists raising funds for TPAN and other local organizations. For more information on Pride Ride, please contact TPAN at ( 773 ) 989-9400, or visit the web at www.tpan.com .
Some say Pallotta TeamWorks, which brought in $200 million in 10 years, including through the recently closed down Twin Cities>Chicago Heartland AIDS Ride, kept too much of the money for production costs, sometimes returning as little as 10-20% to the charities. Now, Pallotta TeamWorks has laid off 250 employees and closed its offices, possibly to reopen later, but with the future of their various charity events in doubt.
Title IX Town Meeting
There is a Title IX town hall meeting Sept. 17 to support women's and girl's sports.
There will be a rally/press conference at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Drake Hotel in the French Room, 140 E. Walton Pl.
The Rally and Open Mike are 2-4 p.m. RSVP by email to OpportunityinAthletics@ed.gov or lineup by 9 a.m. to register that day.
At the Atlanta townhall, Title IX was clearly under attack. "You know that women want to play sports," said organizers of a pro-Title IX turnout. "Prior to Title IX in 1970, 1 out of every 27 high school girls played varsity sports. Today that figure is 1 in 2.5. The interest is there—we just need to give women their fair shot at opportunities. As a coalition of organizations committed to providing equal opportunities for girls and women, we are organizing folks to attend and speak at the town hall and rally."
SPORT SHORTS
Thursday, Sept. 12, is the Human Rights Campaign's Swing for Equality, HRC's first annual women's golf outing, with 18 holes of golf, BBQ, live music and visits from female golf pros. 11 a.m., Sunset Valley Golf Course, Highland Park, ( 847 ) 432-7140 ) , ( 773 ) 338-8788 ( HRC ) , hrcswing@yahoo.com
The 9 to 12 League is the longest running GLBT bowling league in the suburbs and they will start their 24th year Saturday, Sept. 21 at River Rand Bowl in Des Plaines. New teams are forming and new members are encouraged to join. The League bowls on the third Saturday of the month from 9 p.m. until midnight. Events are frequently held after bowling at Hunter's in Elk Grove. For the past few years, they have occupied all 24 lanes in the house during our night of bowling. They plan to fill all lanes again this year with many returning teams as well as a few new faces. Call John at ( 847 ) 506-9735, or Rob at RetroActive1@WideOpenWest.com .
The Western Illinois' AIDS Awareness and Assistant Run is Sept. 21 in Galesburg, Ill. Call Shirlee sandborg, who creates a team in her late son Rex's name, at ( 309 ) 343-6822, sandborg@galesburg.net
NAGAAA currently has two divisions: Open and Women's. The Women's Division is composed exclusively of women's teams and has two divisions: a competitive and an alternative. The Open Division is comprised of teams made up of men and women or teams that are exclusively male. In addition, the Open Division is further classified into four divisions: A, B, C and D. These classifications pertain to the competitive level of play.
2002 was the first time the GSWS featured an Open D Division and Chicago's own, Little Dog Properties, brought home the title. Nine teams entered this groundbreaking division but Little Dogs wound up in front of the pack. Not only will Little Dogs get the first trophy for the division, every member will receive a ring in recognition of their champion status. These are two firsts in NAGAAA history.
Marking their first tournament as a team, this win also represents a first in the history of the Little Dogs Properties team. Winning the GSWS right off the bat doesn't leave this team many other tournaments that will be as significant to win. Undoubtedly, however, they will have to defend the title against the second-place San Francisco Comets and the many other teams that will be back next August.
All told, Chicago was pretty well represented, backing teams in four of six divisions. Two of the three Chicago LGBT leagues are sanctioned by NAGAAA. The Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ( CMSA ) sent five teams to the Series. Chicago Spin and Annex III Harmony played in the Open B division, which held 22 teams. Sidetrack Assault and Hunters represented CMSA in the Open C division in a pool of 33 teams and finally, Little Dog Properties. The Windy City Athletic Association ( WCAA ) sent two teams this year; one men's and one women's. The women's team, Chicago Energy, competed in the Women's Alternative division.
CMSA became a NAGAAA-sanctioned league in the 1980s. Although the research isn't complete, in well over a decade and a half, it looks as if this is the first Gay Softball World Series championship CMSA has brought home.
CMSA's Sidetrack Assault placed 2nd two years ago when the Series was held in Toronto, but after winning five games in a row in Portland, they lost two back to back, effectively being eliminated. One division where Chicago is notably absent is the Open A division. Eleven teams entered, yet for the ninth year in a row, the LA Stray Cats have taken the title.
While the dates, people and places are sketchy, one thing is for sure, Chicago has had a first place team in the NAGAAA Gay World Series, but it's been a long time. Representing the Windy City Athletic Association ( WCAA ) at a time when there were no skill divisions and about 17-19 teams participating, Sidetrack ( Chicago ) beat Atlanta to win the Series the one and only time it was held here in Chicago, scoring two other firsts for the second city.
If memory serves, a WCAA women's team also captured championship trophies at the annual series.
Finally, CMSA is planning to make history again. A committee comprised of men and women from this local sports association are organizing the first annual Chi-Town Softball Classic. Using the NAGAAA division format, this tournament is scheduled for July 4th weekend 2003. Long-term plans include a bid to host the Gay World Series in Chicago again. What could be more appropriate for the city that invented softball?
In local news, here are the Division Champions from the CMSA Open 12" Softball League:
Div. 1 - Chicago Spin
Div. 2 - Big Chick's
Div. 3 - Little Dog Properties
Div. 4 - Jackhammer
Div. 5 - Nutbush
Pride Ride Raises Thousands for TPAN
On Aug. 24, The Pride Ride, 14 bicyclists and five volunteer crewmembers, left Chicago on a two-day, 190-mile round-trip journey to Lake Geneva, Wisc. Test Positive Aware Network was awarded nearly $10,000 in donations from Pride Ride participants after the organization's inaugural bicycle ride fundraiser.
"We created the Pride Ride to raise funds for local organizations that impact our community," stated Pride Ride co-organizer Barry Aldridge. "It was a relief to know that we were able to manage all of the logistics of the event with minimal cost. I wanted to make sure that all of the money the riders raised went to TPAN, not to production."
Charles Clifton, executive director of TPAN noted, "We are thrilled to have been a part of such an important community event. Each of these riders and volunteers clearly embody the spirit of the peer-led leadership and empowerment that we at TPAN strive for. Not only in their giving of time and energy, but also for reaching into their individual communities. These riders raised much needed funds so that we may continue to deliver the services expected of us."
It is the mission of Pride Ride to raise funds to support grassroots organizations in the Chicago area whose focus is on healthcare and outreach in the LGBT community. Ride organizers have set a date for Pride Ride II, Aug. 23-24, 2003. Next years' ride will expand to include approximately 150 bicyclists raising funds for TPAN and other local organizations. For more information on Pride Ride, please contact TPAN at ( 773 ) 989-9400, or visit the web at www.tpan.com .
Some say Pallotta TeamWorks, which brought in $200 million in 10 years, including through the recently closed down Twin Cities>Chicago Heartland AIDS Ride, kept too much of the money for production costs, sometimes returning as little as 10-20% to the charities. Now, Pallotta TeamWorks has laid off 250 employees and closed its offices, possibly to reopen later, but with the future of their various charity events in doubt.
Title IX Town Meeting
There is a Title IX town hall meeting Sept. 17 to support women's and girl's sports.
There will be a rally/press conference at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Drake Hotel in the French Room, 140 E. Walton Pl.
The Rally and Open Mike are 2-4 p.m. RSVP by email to OpportunityinAthletics@ed.gov or lineup by 9 a.m. to register that day.
At the Atlanta townhall, Title IX was clearly under attack. "You know that women want to play sports," said organizers of a pro-Title IX turnout. "Prior to Title IX in 1970, 1 out of every 27 high school girls played varsity sports. Today that figure is 1 in 2.5. The interest is there—we just need to give women their fair shot at opportunities. As a coalition of organizations committed to providing equal opportunities for girls and women, we are organizing folks to attend and speak at the town hall and rally."
SPORT SHORTS
Thursday, Sept. 12, is the Human Rights Campaign's Swing for Equality, HRC's first annual women's golf outing, with 18 holes of golf, BBQ, live music and visits from female golf pros. 11 a.m., Sunset Valley Golf Course, Highland Park, ( 847 ) 432-7140 ) , ( 773 ) 338-8788 ( HRC ) , hrcswing@yahoo.com
The 9 to 12 League is the longest running GLBT bowling league in the suburbs and they will start their 24th year Saturday, Sept. 21 at River Rand Bowl in Des Plaines. New teams are forming and new members are encouraged to join. The League bowls on the third Saturday of the month from 9 p.m. until midnight. Events are frequently held after bowling at Hunter's in Elk Grove. For the past few years, they have occupied all 24 lanes in the house during our night of bowling. They plan to fill all lanes again this year with many returning teams as well as a few new faces. Call John at ( 847 ) 506-9735, or Rob at RetroActive1@WideOpenWest.com .
The Western Illinois' AIDS Awareness and Assistant Run is Sept. 21 in Galesburg, Ill. Call Shirlee sandborg, who creates a team in her late son Rex's name, at ( 309 ) 343-6822, sandborg@galesburg.net
