by Ross Forman
Age: 55
Hometown: Chicago ( Lakeview )
High School: Omaha ( Nebr. ) Central; Class of 1968
College: Dartmouth; Class of 1972
Job: Grant and proposal writer
Gay Games sports: Marathon, 5K and mixed medley relay
Chicago Marathon: Has run it five times
Boston Marathon: Has run it five times
Best marathon time: 2:49.45, in Foxboro, Mass., at age 30
Status: Partnered for 17 years to Jere Kelly, 55
Cats: two, named Smoky and Grace.
Hobbies: snow skiing, gardening.
Favorite sport: Olympics, 'because that's when I get to see my sports done at the best level.'
At the Gay Games: Is excited to see ballroom dancing. 'It's beautiful, athletic, exciting. Same for the pairs ice skating.'
Meaning of his last name: East of the Bridge, in Dutch.
Favorite restaurants: Horse Feathers in Sawyer, Mich., and North Coast Café in Chicago
It's a Fact: Goes to the opera eight times annually
He will run the 5K, the mixed medley relay and also the marathon. He also will be running Team Chicago's participation this summer in Gay Games VII in Chicago.
Welcome to Paul Oostenbrug's world—part participant, part planner.
He will be competing in his fourth consecutive Games and is in his third year as co-chairman of Team Chicago ( with Peg Grey ) .
'The role of Team Chicago is to bring Chicago athletes and cultural participants together as a group,' he said. 'Sure, we represent our sports and teams, but we come together for the march into the Opening and Closing ceremonies.'
Team Chicago will host at least two parties in conjunction with the Games, including a welcome party on July 14.
'Our goal is to have as many people in Team Chicago uniforms as we can. That includes males and females, from all sports and cultural events,' he said. 'The majority of Team Chicago members will be Chicagoans, but people from, say, Milwaukee are welcome to join, too. Heck, if someone lives in Billings, Mont., and, by joining Team Chicago, it will help them further enjoy their Gay Games experience, they definitely are welcome.'
Team Chicago members will receive a jacket, T-shirt and commemorative pin. The fee is $30, as opposed to $85, which members paid four years ago in Sydney. 'We don't want the cost to be a barrier for anyone,' he said.
'I still get teary-eyed when I see video of the closing ceremony in Yankee Stadium. There I was, marching around the infield of Yankee Stadium. When would I have had the chance to do that? That was very emotional. I think it will be the same feeling in Chicago, at Soldier Field and Wrigley Field. When else will the average sports fan have the chance to walk on the field that the professional athletes play on? We're not; that's why this is such a unique opportunity. That's why I hope Chicagoans want to enjoy the experience as part of a group.
'The Opening and Closing ceremonies will be incredible. You assemble and wait for, well, up to three hours. But during the time, you can meet others from literally around the world. And the events themselves are absolutely incredible.'
Team Chicago uniforms are a powder-blue jacket with the Team Chicago logo on left side and a graphic on back.
Oostenbrug has run the Games marathon three times, but his fondest memory wasn't even a participatory event, so to speak. In Sydney, he had the chance to present medals to track and field winners. 'That was an incredible experience. My heart was pounding because of the honor,' he said.
'The Gay Games will be unbelievable in Chicago. With the influx of gay and lesbians during that week, the [ LGBT ] community truly will take over the city, just as it did in New York and really did in Amsterdam and Sydney. During the evenings, Halsted Street and many of the areas in Andersonville and Edgewater will be packed.
'This is going to be a unique experience that should not be missed. The city of Chicago will be transformed by the presence of so many gay and lesbian athletes and cultural participants from around the world. Chicago is now—but truly will be then—an international city. It's just going to be fun time, with a lot of parties.'
He added: 'I want to get as many Chicagoans in Team Chicago uniforms as possible. I really want Team Chicago to be a large, proud group of participants. The home team should be the largest contingent coming into the opening and closing ceremonies.'
To join Team Chicago, visit www.teamchicago.org .
