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W W W JU ST O U T .C O M
FEBRUARY 5 2010
GOOD SPORTS
Kyle Sheeley.
Portland Gay
Volleyball
player
and fan
Gomes
on for
clubs in
Portlond
ond
beyond
The temps are getting milder, and though that famous groundhog saw his
shadow, spring seems just around the corner. What better time-to say nothing of a
nearby Olympiad-to check in with various sports clubs in our fair region?
First up is Team Oregon, a statewide consortium of athletes with their sights
set on this summer's Gay Games VIII in Cologne. Germany. As countless sports
fans turn their attentions to the two-week spectacle up in Vancouver. B.C.. Just
Out spotlights the efforts of Team Oregon to represent their home state-along with
other profiles of leagues and players of every stripe, shoe. mitt, helmet and other
field fashion.
That's not all. Columnist Daniel Borgen cheers on sports enthusiast-turned-
field-activist Kody Leonard (p. 16). Travel writer Andrew Collins previews the
WinterPride festival. Whistler’s Gay and Lesbian Ski Week (p. 18). And whether or
not you're Olympics-. Gay Games- or WinterPride-bound, we even have a few
options for those itching to join a local league-both undercover and in the great
outdoors.
So many options, in fact, that we couldn't fit them all in print. Visit blogout.
justout.com in the days to come for profiles of other vital members of our sporting
community, including soccer stars the NetRippers. bodybuilder Arden Johnson, and
roller derby divas the Rose City Rollers. So go on. Suit up. stretch out. let's play! ■
Roadrunner TIM MCNICHOL brings balance of mental
and physical skills to Cologne
DAVIS
Portland may be known globally as a bicy
cling mecca, but it’s the roadrunners who will
be stepping up for our city at this year’s Gay
Games in Cologne. Social worker and running
foolTim McNichol (right) will join other mem
bers of our esteemed Portland Frontrunners at
his first ever Gay Games this year, competing
in the half-marathon, 10K and 5K races.
McNichol began running about six months
before he joined the Frontrunners, a group
that promotes good health and provides an
opportunity for positive social interaction
through running, walking and club events
in a supportive, gay, lesbian, bi and trans
running community. He has been active in
the club for three years.
“I feel very fortunate to be part of such
a great group,” explains McNichol, who
also runs and dances weekly with Portland s
Ecstatic Dancers. “Being able to enjoy a run
with new and old friends is always a privilege.
We are constantly sharing and learning from
one another. We celebrate each other, and also
support each other in our physical wellness.”
McNichol says Empower Fitness in down
We’ve
got
your
back.
There are two tens in a
twenty, two sides to every
story, and two beautiful
buns on a burger. Two lefts
make a u-turn— and there
are two sides to every tee.
So why let setup charges
and running charges keep
you from printing two sides
of your next set of custom
apparel? For Just Out
readers, Blue Ink will print
the second side, with one
color, free of charge.
town Portland also plays an important part
in facilitating a training routine designed to
provide him with a comprehensive knowl
edge of the balances o f his life, mentally and
physically.
“Working out and training is providing my
body and mind the tools it needs to succeed,”
says McNichol. “I feel like my trainers are con
stantly looking out for me. It is the first gym I
have experienced where I feel so comfortable
and supported.”
McNichol says he is attending the Games
primarily to compete, but also to push his own
boundaries to see how far he can go.
“I will be happy at the end of each race
knowing that I did my best,” says McNichol.
“I will certainly take part in as many festivi
ties as I can since there will be so many things
to experience. I am going for the thrill o f the
race and the joy o f our community afterwards,
and I am proud to be part of Team Oregon
2010!”
- Ryan J. Prado
For more information on runners like Mc
Nichol, visit portlandfrontrunners.org.
COURTESY TIM MCNICHOL
- AMANDA SCHURR