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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE July, 1990

Just Jocks

30,000 to attend Games in August; fundamentalist protest backfires

by K.D. Mahnal

Celebration '90: Gay Games III and Cultural Festival is ready to take center stage in the world of sporting events. Opening ceremonies will be held at British Columbia Stadium in Vancouver, Canada on August 4. The eight-day event will end on August 11.

Four years of dedication by the host organization, the Metropolitian Vancouver Arts and Athletic Association (MVAAA) are about to be realized. Hundreds of volunteers have devoted numerous hours to host a sporting gala that will only be surpassed by the 1992 Olympics in numbers of participants.

Approximately 10,000 artists and athletes will participate, while 20,000 visitors are expected. Registration in terms of men and women are almost even, 43 percent are women and 57 percent are men. This is a balance not found in any other international sporting event. Most entrants are between 25 and 39 years of age, with eight percent either under 25 or over 60. The U.S., Canada and 20 foreign countries will be represented.

All has not been easy for the MVAAA however, as opposition to the Gay Games has surfaced in Vancouver. Opposition has reared its ugly head in the form of an organized group known as "Christians". Two anonymous full-p -page ads appeared in both Vancouver daily papers in November. These ads were placed by "concerned Christians", are "forbidding" the Games and declaring "spiritual warfare" against Celebration '90.

who

As with other anti-lesbian and gay campaigns during the organization of Gay Games I and II, this one backfired. Local media coverage soon turned into an international news event and a barrage of new support.

Response from within the MVAAA to the ads was calm, firm and respectful. The MVAAA announced that many citizens, private, public and true Christians throughout Vancouver supported the Games in principle, if not in practice. The MVAAA has announced that.it does not intend to engage in "warfare” with anyone and has made it clear that these people will not stop Celebration '90.

"These people" have now been identified as a group of right-wing fundamentalists from towns outside of Vancouver. They have opened an office, held public forums and printed materials in efforts to organize opposition. MVAAA officials are soliciting their own support from Canada and around the world.

The MVAAA is gearing up to match the fundamentalists, dollar-for-dollar, to

ensure that the growth of the Gay Games is not impeded.

To help support this cause, a tax-deductible contribution can be made to the Federation of Gay Games. Checks should be made payable to this organization and sent to the MVAAA at: 1170 Bute St., Vancouver B.C., Canada, V6E1Z6. Positive support is now needed. If you are not attending, please consider supporting the MVAAA with your contributions.

Contributions are also needed to help registered athletes from eastern European countries that do not have lesbian or gay organizations which contribute to travel expenses. One athlete from Poland and 15 from East Germany would like to attend, but are having difficulties raising travel money. If you can make a contribution, make a check payable to the MVAAA, with a note attached specifying the Athlete's Access Fund and send to the above address.

In other Gay Games developments, the Federation of Gay Games has announced it will present a special award at Celebration '90. The Federation of Gay Games is a newly formed permanent organization, headquartered in San Francisco, to ensure the future and preservation of past Gay Games. The new award will be the Dr. Tom Waddell Memorial Cup, in honor of Gay Games founder, the late Dr. Tom Waddell.

"The Waddell Cup is intended to honor and encourage participation rather than outright winning," stated Rob Neyts of Vancouver, originator of the award. A replica of the trophy will be presented at all future Gay Games, while the actual Waddell Cup will reside in the next host city for promotional purposes.

The recipient of the Waddell Cup may be an organization, volunteer, athlete, artist or other participant. A panel that includes Sara Lewinstein (Waddell's wife) and Brent Nickolson-Earle (president of Team New York) will head the committee responsible for the selection process.

Also announced recently, Gatorade has joined Delta Airlines and Air Canada as corporate sponsors of the Gay Games. Gatorade will be the official Energy Replacement Liquid for ten sporting events.▼

All local Gay Games participants and visitors are encouraged to contact Chronicle Sports Editor K.D. Mahnal at P.O. Box 556 Edgewater Branch, Lakewood, OH 44107. The Chronicle is interested in following the progress of our participants and opinions of visitors to Celebration '90.Ed.

ALT + 1 wins football title

by K.D. Mahnal

A champion has been crowned in the Ladies' Touch Football League. ALT + 1 was declared the league winners, without a championship game in May. This is the second consecutive and third title in five years for the ALT + 1 team.

Under league rules, if a team is in first place by two or more games at the end of regular season play, no playoffs will be held. ALT + 1 held a four game lead over nearest rivals Our Gang and Pigpen to claim the title.

ALT+ 1 sponsor Leigh Mack was thrilled with the team's performance. “I

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loved it... camaraderie is a big part of our team." Camaraderie and fun are the foundation of the Ladies Touch league and ALT + 1 enjoyed the best of both. In addition to ALT+ 1's crown, individual honors were also presented at the league's banquet on June 2. Karen R. of ALT + 1 took the best quarterback award with 132 completions for 1,528 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 extra points. Extra points are pass plays, not kicks, in ladies touch football.

Debby S. of Our Gang was tops in the league in interceptions with 13 for 117 yards and one touchdown. Best in quarterback sacks was rookie Dianna W. of Pigpen, with 14 sacks for 95 yards lost and one safety.

Shelly K. of ALT + 1 captured best receiver honors with 26 catches for 357 yards, seven touchdowns and a 15 yard

חברר תקוה

Chevrei Tikva

The Cleveland Religious and Social nization for Gay and Lesbian Jews

This space has been donated to Chevrei Tikva by the Chronicle, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Chronicle staff or management.

In the Good Old Summertime

Midwest Regional Conference. Chevrei Tikva will start the summer with the "Midwest Regional Conference" on Friday, June 29 in Toronto. This conference will be hosted by Chutzpah, Toronto's gay and lesbian synagogue. Delegates from more than twenty cities across North America will be meeting to discuss those problems unique to gay and lesbian jews. There will be workshops covering many of the problems we face daily. A boat cruise, including plenty of food, drink and entertainment will round off the conference.

Antone F. Feo Clinical Psychologist

per carry average.

Selected as the league's overall outstanding players by League Commissioner Cindy Pizzino were: Karen R., Christine D., of ALT+ 1, Laura F., Kim P., of Pigpen, Debby S., Julie N., of Our Gang, and Diana W., Natalie P., of M & M.▾

Ladies Touch Football Final Standings

Team Alt + 1 Pigpen Our Gang M & M

Won

Lost

Send all sports inquiries and scores to: The Chronicle, K.D. Mahnal, P.O. Box 556, Edgewater Branch, Lakewood, OH 44107.

Service in the park. Chevrei Tikva will have its annual service in the park and picnic on July 6 at 8:30 p.m. Please join us for fun and fellowship. An oneg will follow the service.

Other events in July and August. On July 20, we will have our Shabbat service with Torah reading by a guest Rabbi at 8:30 p.m. Sunday July 29 will be our annual Blossom Concert and Potluck Picnic. Come listen to a "Night in Vienna" and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. August 3 will be our regular Shabbat service at 8:30 p.m. On August 17 at 8:30 p.m. we will have a guest reconstructionist Rabbi lead our services.

Please call Chevrei Tikva's hotline at 932-5551 for more information on any of these events. Please look for more events to follow. Chevrei Tikva is growing and always looking for new people with new ideas. Why not come to one of our events and see what we are about? ▼

Ph.D.

"Dedicated to your personal growth and development"

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