Dick Uvyari is a fixture on the Gay Games front, having competed in six of the seven to date; the lone exception being Sydney in 2002.
He's a Legacy Award winnerpresented to him Nov. 19 in Chicagowho's already set to bowl next summer in Cologne. And, no doubt, add to his medal collection. Just consider:
Bronze, team bowling, 1986 in San Francisco.
Silver, team bowling, 1990 in Vancouver.
Gold, team bowling, 1994 in New York.
Silver, team bowling, 1998 in Amsterdam.
Gold, honorary, 2006 in Chicago.
" [ The Gay Games ] are a great opportunity to experience all that the host city has to offer, make new friends, and see some old friends, too, all the while trying to compete as best you can," said Uvyari, who turns 66 on Dec. 3. " [ My goals for Cologne ] are to compete in bowling again, but mostly to just have a great experience in Europe again.
Uvyari, who lives in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, is admittedly semi-retired, semi-employed, working in the real estate restoration industry.
His partner of 39 years, Joe La Pat, died June 29, 2008.
"Having been so involved in running the bowling event [ at the 2006 Games in Chicago ] as co-director, it was a very hectic time, but also very rewarding, knowing that we did as good a job as possible," Uvyari said.
More About Dick Uvyari:
High school: Muskego ( Wis. ) High School, Class of 1962
College: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Class of 1969
Hobbies: Traveling, collecting antiques and, most recently, gardening
Superstitions: "Hmmm, none really, but I do have some lucky numbers: 5, 25 and 69, which are the month, day and year that I met my partner, Joe."
Little-known fact, skill or trait: "Nearly a photographic memory when it comes to reciting sports champions over the years."
Greatest sporting accomplishment: Being the co-director for the bowling event at Gay Games VII in Chicago in 2006, and also co-directing the third IGBO ( International Gay Bowling Organization ) Tournament in Chicago in 1983.
Favorite sports team: It's a tie between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. "Having been born and raised in Wisconsin, being a Packers fan is akin to a rite of passage."
All-time favorite pro athlete: Michael Jordan
Favorite current athlete: Walter Ray Williams, Jr.