And, they're offwith stylish new blue uniforms.
Team Chicago held its annual Sendoff Party for Gay Games VIII July 24 at Atmosphere Bar in Andersonville. About 200 attended the two-hour event, including about 100 Games participants. The event also was attended by such Games dignitaries as Kurt Dahl and Kevin Boyer, among others. About 125 Team Chicago members traveled to the Games in Sydney.
"Our goal [ for the number of Chicago participants ] was higher, but we're still happy with the number going," said Team Chicago's Paul Oostenbrug.
Chuck Jacobson, founder of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association ( CGHA ) , said, "I'm not able to go to Cologne, but happy to support those who are. I hope the Chicagoans bring home lots of gold."
And that would include Ivette Garcia and Zaida Sanabia, who attended the sendoff party and will be playing soccer. The two were scholarship recipients, supported by Evette Cardona, Mona Noriega and others. Sanabia said, "Soccer is one of my passions, and now I'm getting to play [ the sport ] in a different country. It seems surreal. I keep asking myself, 'Am I really going?'"
Cardona and Noriega helped raise about $4,000 for Garcia and Sanabia. "If they wanted to go, we were happy to help," Noriega said. "We just want to hear all the good stories, see some photos and hope they get to experience a great gay experience."
The opening ceremony for Gay Games VIII is Saturday, July 31.