Gay Games VII Opens

Chicago - From 52 nations and every state in America, athletes
trickled and then poured onto the grounds surrounding Soldier Field
in Chicago on Saturday. Chicago welcomed them with open arms: from
an army of smiling police officers protecting the GLBT olympians'
safety to crystal blue skies and a mild lakefront breeze the
assembling athletes gathered around the ballpark waiting for the
opening ceremonies of the Seventh Gay Games to begin.

Team St. Louis gathered first on the steps of the Field Museum,
enjoying Gatorade and Chicago Style hot dogs while they waited to
enter the holding area. Among them were four members of Big Crank
Racing: Don Griffith, Jack Michael, Jay Hulsey and Joan Brackman.
Also joining with Team St. Louis in the Missouri contingent was a
large group of men and women from Team Kansas City. From cycling to
tennis to swimming, bowling, softball, rowing and track and field,
Missouri would be well represented.

While the teams assembled and waited for the opening ceremonies to
begin – for three hours (it takes time to assemble 12,000
participants) – members of Big Crank Racing met and mingled with
other Missourans as well as athletes from around the globe. Pins
were traded. Connections were made. The world got a little bit
smaller and hope became less of an abstraction. The sunny day
perfectly reflected the light of the warriors assembled on Lake
Michigan.

The athletes were led onto the field by Team San Francisco, the site
of the first Gay Games 21 years ago. Team St. Louis ran onto the
field – smiling and waving - and took its position at the 50 yard
line and was followed by the remaining teams. Host city Chicago
brought up the rear of the line, entering to a massive cheer from
the spectators and athletes alike.

Once on the field, the athletes took the athletes oath, promising to
compete fairly and with good sportsmanship. The lights were
extinguished and the athletes lit flashlights they had been given –
forming a massive rainbow flag on Soldier Field. A couple of
performances and greetings and the athletes were led off the field
to their seats.

Those assembled were entertained by a full program of entertainment
and education. Musical performances by Billy Porter, Jody Watley,
Andy Bell, the Gay Games Marching Band and Gay Games Choir and
others filled out a program recounting our coming out stories.
Speeches by Mayor Richard Daley, George Takei, Keith Boykin and
Margaret Cho taught, inspired and entertained. The Quilt was
displayed and memorials were sung. Awards were given.

Comprising the bulk of the action on the field, a team of talented
dancers and gymnasts told our story and it is a story of victory.
The flame of the Gay Games torch, lit during these ceremonies, may
only burn for a week, but this movement – this Gay Olympics – will
carry that flame back with 12,000 athletes to points across the
globe. Big Crank Cycling is present to witness and participate in
this important event in the life of our global community.