Waiting for the first robin of spring

Anyone who knows me knows that I start counting down the minutes until the first day of spring once December starts, and this winter has been especially unkind to those of us who prefer an air temperature above glacier. But going through the milestones to spring, I’m almost ready to start smiling again. Just get The Flower Show started and Daylight Savings Time rebooted and I can glide the rest of the way to 12:15 p.m. March 20. 

In the meantime, some of the LGBT sports groups are making moves and starting to prepare for the return of life. There’s definitely a larger percentage of people who sport outdoors in milder weather than sport indoors during the season of cold, gray, dark, death: winter.

Registration information for Stonewall spring leagues has been released. If you’re interested in kickball or billiards, the following schedules apply: Registration for each is Feb. 26-March 12. Kickball starts April 8 and billiards begins April 19. Registration fees include a team T-shirt. Email [email protected] for details.

City of Brotherly Love Softball League is ready to help you improve your pitching, or teach you how to pitch, during four clinics in March. Join Kim Kirkpatrick or other experienced pitchers at the clinics 10 a.m.-noon Sundays in March at the Dorothy Emanuel Rec Center, 8501 Provident St. Go to cblsl.org for details.

The Philadelphia Spartans are, as always, looking for new guys who want to take it to the mat. The group currently meets the first Sunday of the month, but there is a poll underway to determine if a second Sunday is desired and feasible. The wrestlers are eager to engage and work on skills, while the competitive people can work toward the team’s Pride weekend tournament. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2FiFHbo.   

I love Paris in the summer

Gay Games 10 in Paris are fast approaching. As bits of information float in, I’ll gladly pass them along and I’m thrilled to tell everyone that the Philadelphia Falcons Soccer League is sending two teams to the games in Paris this August – an 11v11 men’s team – and a 7v7 women’s team and they are all actively looking for more sponsors. The Falcons winter league is underway. Visit Falcons-soccer.org for more information.

Federation of Gay Games site-selection committee member David Killian is helping coordinate an event for visiting GG board members in town for meetings March 9-11. From 6-9 p.m. March 10, there will be fun, food, drink and music to celebrate and acknowledge local athletes and supporters in the Ascend Lounge at Tavern on Camac. There is a requested $10 donation at the door and part of the proceeds being used for matching Philadelphia shirts for those going to Paris. Awards will also be presented that evening. The event includes a cash bar and complimentary light appetizers. Email [email protected] to register for the event, as there is limited space.

All info for the Paris games can be found at paris2018.com/en.

Short stops  

• The Philadelphia Union is holding its Pride Night May 30 vs. Chicago, continuing the club’s commitment to inclusiveness. A pride bundle will be available for this match as well as a Pride DJ on the plaza prior to the match.

• City of Brotherly Love Softball League holds its recruitment day (formerly skills day) March 24 outside the Palumbo Rec Center, 700 S. Fourth St. Visit the league’s website for more information. All skill levels are welcome!

• Congratulations to CBLSL teams Philadelphia Revenge and Philadelphia Triple Play on their finish in the Tampa Tournament. Both teams placed seventh in their respective groups. 

Got an idea for a column or someone who deserves special recognition? Email [email protected] to be included in next month’s column. In the meantime, get out and play!

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