Fellow Austinites,

I want to congratulations all the folks that had a chance to attend either the
Gay Games in Chicago, or the World Outgames in Montreal this summer. Being in
both cites for a short period of time during these events I can tell you that
the atmosphere and energy was nothing I have experienced in any sort of Pride
event or Party. There is so much purpose that pours out of these sporting
events, and you can feel it everyone who is participating and/ or attending.

So, do you every get the feeling there is no one "gay" who does the sport that
you enjoy??. Well listen up, its not true, and I can't tell you how important
and refreshing it is to participate and compete among your newest group of peers
from around the world. These events are an excellent place to make friends.
Every event I have attended, I have made new friends for life, with memories I
will share forever. (Not sure if I am going to share the pictures, though!)

As I had planned to be at the Gay Games in Chicago for years now, it nearly
devastated me not to be able to participate due to a family emergency. With
little notice, I quickly planned my trip to Montreal, and competed with athletes
from all around the world, including some of Olympic caliber. It made my
summer!!!

So if you have not participated or think there is no way you could participate,
think again!! These events are all inclusive, and nothing would please me more
then to see a larger representation from our Austin crowd. My friend who
participated in cycling at both events just picked up his bike this year, and
also managed to win a medal!!! So, if you have not already done so, pick
your sport, grab your gear, grab you team, save your money, and start
practicing!! And if you are a cyclist with the HCRA and you choose to attend,
and can take a bike on a plane, with minimal deconstruction, and I will
personally help put each and everyone of your bikes back to together when they
arrive.

We have so much more to chose from now, and we will not have to wait four more
years as in the past . The Federation of Gay Games will be in Copenhagen in
four years and the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Organization (GLISA) not
only will be in Copenhagen in 3 years for the second World Outgames, but have
already put in place a North American Games planned for April 2007 in Calgary.
GLISA has even pledged to make a south of the border run in the not to distant
future, could you image going to Mexico City , Sao Paulo, or Rio de Janeiro to
participate in a sporting event???

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email me, I will be happy to
answers them. And if you are not already a member, join
TeamAustinTexas@yahoogroups.com.

For those folks that attending either event this summer, please share your
story on the TeamAustinTexas@yahoogroups.com and help drive Austin's
representation!!

For more information on any of these events:


North American Games Calgary 2007:

http://www.calgary2007.com/

OutGames Montreal and Copenhagen

http://www.montreal2006.org/home.html

Gay Games Chicago and Cologne

http://www.gaygames.com/en/


Ciao,

Jason




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