No, it’s technically not summer yet. June 21 will actually mark the longest day of the year — summer solstice — and the first day of summer.
But, with the heatwave that rolled through this week, it felt like dog days of August.
That didn’t stop folks from getting outside and taking advantage of the three-day weekend with tournaments, games, cookouts and parties. With softball, baseball, soccer and tennis.
Truth be told, joining an LGBT sports team, club or league is a great way to show your Pride, it being Gay Pride Month and all.
For some, joining a sports league can be intimidating, bringing up bad memories of being picked on (or not picked at all) in grade, middle and/or high-school gym class. For others, sports are a way of life that makes up part of their identity.
No matter where you fall on the spectrum of athleticism, gay sports leagues can be a way to meet new people, make friends, come out, learn new skills and get into (or stay in) shape. More than that, sports can be fun. And who doesn’t like to have fun?
Depending on the activity, athletics can be a way to foster teamwork, communication, strategic thinking and problem solving.
Sports can increase strength, agility, flexibility and endurance.
One can cultivate better discipline, self-confidence and manage stress. As well as develop a better appreciation for air conditioning and cold adult beverages.
For those who may have missed out on sports activities growing up, recreational leagues offer a way to get involved and get active without having to worry about highly competitive teams, parents, players and coaches. Or, for that matter, being all that athletic or competitive.
In a sports town such as Philly, it’s difficult — and sometimes alienating — to not be invested in professional teams. Someone’s always talking about the Phillies, Flyers, Sixers or Eagles. Not to mention the sports that rarely get a mention in casual conversation and mainstream media — lacrosse, soccer, tennis or any of the women’s teams.
But rec leagues give you the opportunity to be a player, not a spectator. On some level, getting involved in a gay sports league gives you the opportunity to be an activist, raising the profile of LGBT athletics — and be active.
So when you are planning your summer, don’t forget to think about how to get outside. Try something new, challenge yourself and go play. Just remember to wear sunscreen and play nice.