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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2011)
APRIL 1. 2011 sports^ OREGON'S LGBTO NEWSMAGAZINE For Walker, the sense of inclusion is what drives both organizations. “I get a lot of emails all the time from people who just want to get active,” says Walker. “They’re intimidated by coming because either they’ve never played, or they haven’t played in years. But we have people who show up that have never played before and six months later they’re playing in tournaments.” Could that next player be you? For more information on open gyms and tour nament schedules fo r Portland Gay Volleyball', visit portlandgayvolleyball.org. For more information on jo in in g the Portland Gay Basketball Associa tion, or ifyo u d like to sign up f o r their m ailing list, em ail PDXBallers@gmail.com. — R y a n J. P r a d o Hey, Batta Batta Batta Rose City Softball Association slides into 17th season As team sports go, few would argue the lei surely allure of softball. The arc of the red-and- white orb toward home plate, the clang of the aluminum bat, the dash toward first base to try and beat a cross-diamond throw—these are competitive highlights ingrained in the collec tive athletic psyche. W ith the popularity of the sport being a secret to almost no one, the Rose City Softball Association continues to grow as Oregon’s largest LG BTQ_ sporting organiza tion, boasting a membership of approximately 500. “I think there are lots of reasons RCSA gay softball is very popular,” says RCSA president Jake Packer. “The first and foremost is that you don’t have to be super athletic to play.” Operating along the lines of many recre ational leagues, RCSA focuses a big part of its efforts on nurturing members of the commu nity who were, as Packer explains, “perhaps picked last in P.E., and teaching them the skills it takes to have fun at a purely recreational, so cial level with other people of [similar] ability.” Now in its 17th season, RCSA has also en deavored to support and connect within the community by fostering relationships with Q. Center, Cascade Aids Project, SMYRC and other vital organizations. “[We’ve] reinforced the notion that we can make our community a better place and that as a prominent LGBTQ_organization, we have a responsibility to help in the ways that we can,” explains Packer. Thirty-one teams are set for the 2011 sea son— 16 open division and 15 women’s teams— and have a busy April ahead. Friday, April 1 finds the RCSA putting their best jock forward during “April Jewels” at CC Slaughters at 9 p.m. Attendees have the opportunity to bid on the personalized jocks of RCSA men’s players in a benefit event for the James Hernandez Player Assistance Fund. The RCSA’s opening day and ceremonies are set for Sunday, April 17 at the Gordon Faber Sports Complex in Hillsboro (4450 NW 229th Ave.). Also on deck, aside from this August’s Portland Cup tournament—formerly the Cas cade Cup— are rumblings of a bid to host the NAGAAA Gay World Series and the ASANA World Series—the equivalent lesbian women’s event—as early as 2013. “We are working towards that, and it is the RCSA’s dream to host both the Open and Women’s Championships in the near future,” says Packer. “We can think of nothing better than to see 10,000 LGBTQ_athletes, women and men, all converging on Portland for one glorious summer week.” Until then, play ball! For information on upcoming events, fundraisers and more fo r the RCSA, visit rosecitysoftball.org. The RCSA plays most Sundays at Gordon Faber Sports Complex in Hillsboro from A pril 17 through July 10, and the annual R C SA All-Stars vs. the Portland Police Gay Pride E ven t is slated fo r Sat urday, June IS during Pride Weekend. — R ya n J. P r a d o Out Front Portland Frontrunners build, cross bridges for outsider activity snap have logged the miles and increased member ship for that particular breed of health nut who loves to hit the ground running. The Frontrunners— a running club for LG- BTQjndividuals and friends—are a haven for both seasoned long-distance running pros and those just interested in a jog every couple of weeks. The nonprofit group hosts three runs for members each week, ranging between four to six miles on paved surfaces. There are also a number of signature runs, like the group’s par ticipation in the annual Race for the Roses event taking place Sunday, April 3. The Race for the Roses run—a particularly scenic jaunt that brings 5,000 runners and walkers over bridges, through downtown streets and on the waterfront— is just one of the par ticipatory pluses for Portland Frontrunner members. As Frontrunners president Steve Strode explains, you don’t have to be Jackie Joyner-Kersee to join up; the group is for run ners of all experience and competitive levels. “1 think the key is we’re really trying to ap peal to runners of all abilities, whether you’re just starting out or you’re seasoned,"says Strode. “We’ve also found it’s a great way to meet friends rather than going out to bars.” Portland Frontrunners is a member oflnter- national Frontrunners— a consortium of simi lar groups around the world. So when Front runners members travel to other cities, they’re able to join in that city’s weekly runs. Strode reports that Portland routinely hosts visitors for weekly runs as well. The name o f the game for the group of late has been outreach. Along with weekly runs, the Frontrunners have begun hosting other club events such as cookouts, movie nights and din ners and are organizing a members camping trip for later in the summer. “I moved here a few years ago and a big number of my friends I’ve made have evolved from this group,” explains Strode. “It’s a great social outlet as well, and that’s why we’re trying to do more social events. The members are looking for things like that.” nines*.** » - V fast fest • ■ c convenient • affordable Try before you buy with this PASS! Better W orkouts, Better Results Tone up, trim down in a Snap! • Nearby and open 24/7 • ■ No Contracts, No risk - pay monthly . 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