NBA's Warriors hire openly gay executive
In California, the NBA's Golden State Warriors recently hired openly gay former Phoenix Suns executive Rick Welts as president/chief operating officer ( COO ) , according to ESPN.
Welts signed a multiyear deal, reporting to new owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. Welts received recommendations from NBA Commissioner David Stern and Suns owner Robert Sarver, among other people.
Welts, 58, came out this past May. He said that he would do it again, and will address the issue of sexual orientation in sports as often as necessary. Golden State is based in the Bay Areawhich is very accepting of LGBT individuals.
Bicycling community hosting party Oct. 28
The online bicycling community known as the chainlink ( www.thechainlink.org ) will host a Halloween party Friday, Oct. 28, at Galway Arms, 2442 N. Clark St., 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
The party, which local brewing company Half Acre is sponsoring, will be the pre-kickoff to the Chicago Bike Film Festival taking place the following weekend.
In addition, Cycle Smithy, 2468 N. Clark St., will be staying open an extra hour for the chainlink guests, and is offering 25 percent off most items in the store 8-9 p.m.
Chicago Force tryouts Nov. 19, Dec. 17
The Chicago Force women's football team is holding tryouts for its 2012 season.
The first will take place Saturday, Nov. 19 at the University of Illinois-Chicago ( inside the main gym ) , 839 W. Roosevelt Rd. Tryouts are 3-6 p.m.; arrive by 2:45 p.m. to register.
The second is Saturday, Dec. 17, at Evanston Township High School Fieldhouse ( indoor gym ) 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston, 1-3 p.m.; arrive by 12:45 p.m. to register.
Prospective players should also plan to attend a post-tryout meet-and greet with coaches and players immediately following the practice.
Both tryouts will consist of sprints; agility and strength assessments; and football fundamentals. It will also include a Q&A session. Tryouts are open to women 17 and older.
There is a one-time $20 tryout fee for new players. Call the Force hotline at 312-405-4130 or visit www.chicagoforcefootball.com for more information.