The opening ceremonies for Gay Games 9 in Cleveland Aug. 9. I was supposed to be there. I was going to cover the Philadelphia athletes participating in tennis, track, swimming, bowling and a few other sports, and report back with some photos and a daily tweet on progress from our locals.
The difficulty became tracking down people to find out ahead of time what event they were competing in. Out of the estimated 50 people attending to represent Philadelphia, exactly one got back to me to let me know which specific event in his sport he is competing in.
One.
I surmise that social media is going to provide us with updates and an occasional non-blurry image, but that doesn’t reflect the fact that while there is some coverage by the athletes, partners and friends, I can’t adequately collect all of these accomplishments one by one and record them for posterity.
So to all of the athletes who are representing Philadelphia the second week in August, our best wishes for you — and send me your photos and notes after you get out and play!
Temple gymnastics getting the last laugh
Temple University students are so determined to continue the gymnastics program that the team has announced it will function as a club. Of course, this means they must generate their own funding for expenses.
Enter Bill Cosby.
Temple’s most famous alum will be in Philadelphia for a one-night-only fundraiser, 7:30-11 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Independence Visitor Center. Billed as a concert to benefit the Temple men’s gymnastics program, the evening starts with an hour-long VIP reception followed by the comedian sharing jokes and stories.
If you want to support the gymnastics program and really want to see Mr. Cosby in person, here’s your chance to do both. Go to eventbrite.com for tickets. Prices start at $175.
Short stops • Gay Games 9 in Cleveland is underway. Check out our Philly representatives’ successes at gg9cle.com. • CBLSL Fall Ball softball registration opened Aug. 1. Play is once again in FDR Park and runs Sept. 7-Oct. 19; cblsl.org. • Don’t forget to participate in the worldwide research going on regarding homophobia in sports at outonthefields.com. This survey is for everyone: athletes, non-athletes, gay or non-gay. Pass it on!
Got something sporty to share? Email [email protected].