Pictured: Larry Pike ( left ) and Dick Uyvari. Photo courtesy of Uyvari
Uyvari receives honor from IGBO
The International Gay Bowling Organization ( IGBO ) honored Chicago's Dick Uyvari with its Fellowship Award at the organization's 29th annual meeting and tournament, held over Memorial Day weekend in Oklahoma City. The Fellowship Award is IGBO's highest honor and is presented to two individuals each year that best represent the organization's motto"unity, fellowship and communication. Denver's Larry Pike also received the award.
Uyvari was singled out for his record of service in the bowling community and philanthropy. He served on IGBO's board of directors and was instrumental in founding Chicago's first gay bowling tournament; He served as president, secretary or treasurer in more than a dozen Chicago leagues. He also represented Chicago's leagues in IGBO for nearly ten years and co-directed the only IGBO tournament ever hosted in Chicago.
Uyvari was also recognized for his philanthropy where, following a successful career in real estate, he and his partner Joe La Pat touched many lives. Uyvari co-founded and co-chaired the Strike Against AIDS fundraising project that raised more than $500,000 for AIDS Service agencies from 1984-1992. He also established an Athletes Against AIDS charity that raised funds through the gay leagues to make bowling affordable to bowlers with HIV.
With his passion for the sport of bowling and the city of Chicago, it was only natural that he would become involved when the Windy City was selected to host the Gay Games in 2006. In addition to Uyvari serving as co-director of the bowling event and all that entailed, he and his partner, through a series of challenge grants, direct contributions and scholarships were instrumental in ensuring that Gay Games 2006 was the first Gay Games to finish "in the black' in over 20 years. Through their efforts a scholarship fund was established where individuals could sponsor athletes from other countries. He and his partner sponsored athletes from all over the world including a lesbian soccer team from Soweto, South Africa. They also made a generous donation to the Center on Halsted where a youth recreation room bears their names.
Uyvari gives credit to his life partner La Pat for allowing him the time and energy to spend on these projects. La Pat supported him unconditionally, but died in June 2008; they would have celebrated their 40th anniversary on May 25.
Pike of Denver was recognized for his contributions to bowling and the deaf community. He currently serves as President of the Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf, a national organization for the deaf, and has served in many capacities with organizations serving Denver's deaf community.
Uyvari is the first Chicago resident to win IGBO's highest honor.
Ride for AIDS
June 6-7
Ride for AIDS Chicago"a two-day, 180-mile bicycle ride fundraiser produced by Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) to raise funds for HIV/AIDS services in the Chicago area"will take place June 6-7.
The ride takes place annually the first weekend of June in recognition of the date scientists began to notice the unusual disease that would later be known as AIDS. The goal of Ride for AIDS Chicago is to return 100% of pledge dollars to its beneficiaries. Now in its sixth year, the anticipated amount is $800,000.
Riders leave Evanston June 6 to journey to Wisconsin, along the shores of Lake Geneva. Participants will return to Evanston the next day, following the winding roads of southeast Wisconsin and shaded bicycle paths of northeast Illinois and then into the city.
See www.rideforaids.org
Sky's season
starts June 6
The women's basketball team the Chicago Sky will start its fourth season on the road Saturday, June 6, against the Minnesota Lynx. The home opener will be played at UIC Pavilion Friday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m., against the Atlanta Dream.
In a warm-up of sorts, the Chicago Sky will take on a group of male celebrities in a basketball game scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at the UIC Pavilion at 7 p.m. Among the men who will be playing are actors Larenz Tate, Donald Faison ( TV's Scrubs ) , Frankie Muniz ( TV's Malcolm in the Middle ) and Michael Clarke Duncan as well as singer Brian McKnight and rapper Nelly. Tickets are $15-$225 each; see www.wnba.com/sky. For more information about the game, call 866-SKY-WNBA.
Special game nights for the Sky this season include: "Go Red for Women," June 27, against Washington; "Go Green Night," July 10, against Indiana; Camp Day Activation, July 22, against New York; "Breast Cancer Awareness Night," August 28, against New York; and Fan Appreciation Night, Sept. 12, against Detroit.
To purchase tickets for any 2009 Sky home game, please call 866-SKY-WNBA or visit www.chicagosky.net .
Dykes Pedaling
Bikes get-togethers
Dykes Pedaling Bikes is getting together once a month on Saturdays ( June 6, July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5 and Oct. 3 ) for lakefront rides.
The group meets at 9 a.m. at the totem pole at Addison and Lake Shore Drive in Lakeview, and then rides to Grant Park, stopping briefly at "Queens Landing" ( across Lake Shore Drive from Buckingham Fountain ) at about 9:40 a.m. to meet additional riders. They then ride north and have brunch at Tweet, 5020 N. Sheridan, at 10:30 a.m. Helmets are required.
Dykes Pedaling Bikes is sponsored by the Windy City Cycling Club, the Lesbian Community Care Project and dykediva.com . For more info, e-mail rbezalel@gmail.com or visit www.windycitycyclingclub.com .
Red Stars'
schedule changes
The Chicago Red Stars have announced a pair of changes to the team's 2009 home schedule, adjusting two games to more family-friendly start times.
The Red Stars will kick off the second half of the inaugural home season against Kristine Lilly and the Boston Breakers at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 21, instead of Saturday, June 20. In addition, the Red Stars' July 26 match with the Washington Freedom will also be adjusted to a 3 p.m. start time; the game was originally scheduled at 7 p.m.
Call 866-WPS-2009 or visit www.chicagoredstars.com to reserve seats.
Rowing lessons
start June 6
Chicago Rowing Union, Chicago's LGBT rowing team, is offering introductory rowing sessions on weekends starting Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7. All practices are held 8-9:50 a.m. at the Dammrich Rowing Center, 3220 W. Oakton, Skokie; carpool options are available.
The sessions are open to everyone, regardless of physical ability. Enrollment is limited to 12 individuals.
See www.ChicagoRowingUnion.org .
