Compete January February 2019

DRIVE ON!

Toyota Supports Sports Diversity

YOUR VEGAS IS SHOWING

IGLFA Indoor Championship

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 $3.95 • COMPETENETWORK.COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS 20 18

26

12

30

16

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS...........................................................7 MILLENNIAL ON SPORTS........................................................8 HIGH FIVE VI(V)A LAS VEGAS...............................................12 THE GLASA STORY...............................................................16 24

“HEELS OVER HEAD” FUN WITH PRIDE CHEER.....................18 SCC HOSTS IGLFA 2019 INDOOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.....20 MVP IAN KENDALL...............................................................24 ATHLETES OF THE SIN CITY CLASSIC....................................26 A NOTE FROM PETEY...........................................................30 TOYOTA RETURNS................................................................34 GYM BAG.............................................................................36 EVENTS...............................................................................40 SDLC REVIEWS 2018; SHARES 2019 INITIATIVES................42 COVER PHOTO : PHOTOGRAPHER: JOE SCHMELZER, TREASUREBITE STUDIO, INC., WWW.JOESCHMELZER.COM

www.competenetwork.com 5

6 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

SCHEDULE

www.competenetwork.com 7

MILLENIAL ON SPORTS

MY SIN CITY CLASSIC RETROSPECTIVE

M

BY DIRK SMITH, SDL

y first experience at the Sin City Classic was in 2016. While I had heard of this multi-sport tournament, my sport of swimming wasn’t on the list. With many of my Denver friends going for volleyball, softball, flag football and other sports, I wanted to be part of it, too. But I didn’t want to fly to Las Vegas just to hold the purse. So I got in touch with that year’s festival director to suggest adding swimming to the sports list. Of course, he immediately responded with, “Are you interested in organizing the meet?”

That was a big “HELL NO!” from me! I am a much better swimmer than I am an organizer. Fortunately, I had a friend who was perfect for the job. Long story short (and a billion emails later), the swimming pictograph suddenly appeared on the tournament website.

The Sin City Classic is where I’ve met many new people who have helped me get more involved with LGBTQI sports, including Eric Carlyle and his team at Compete Magazine and the Sports Diversity Leadership Council. I participated in swimming at Sin City in 2016 and 2017, both of which were amazing experiences. In addition to the swimming, I really loved taking in the whole “Vegas Experience” with the lights, the over-the-top spectacle of everything and of course, the buffets.

Unfortunately, the swimming event was not held in 2018 but it’s returning this year for the 2019 Sin City Classic edition. Sadly, I won’t be in attendance this year either since I’m currently in Germany pursuing a graduate degree. Not only will I be missing out on the swimming but also taking part in the Sports Diversity Leadership Council as well as seeing many of my wonderful friends I’ve made. I will also be missing the fabulous Vegas experience, especially the opening party and the great overall energy of the event. In the context of the swimming season, the Sin City Classic falls right in the middle so it’s a more laid-back meet; one to just be able to relax and enjoy the fun. While I am not going to be there this year, I am looking forward to returning to the Sin City Classic in the next couple of years. Have a FABULOUS time everybody!

Dirk Smith, SDL Sports Editor dirk@competenetwork.com @competedirk

8 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

www.competenetwork.com 9

COMPETE EDITORS EXECUTIVE EDITOR Connie Wardman, M.A., SDLT A graduate of Chatham University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Connie is an adult educator by profession and has a Master's Degree in Adult and Community Education. She has been the editor of Compete Magazine since 2011.

SPORTS EDITOR Dirk (David) Smith, SDL Dirk holds a B.S. in Exercise Science and Nutrition from MSU Denver and is NSCA, ACSM, AFAA and AFPAI-certified in addition to being a Red Cross Certified Emergency Medical Responder. The medal-winning swimmer is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Germany.

HEALTH EDITOR Dr. John Sutherland A graduate of Harvard and the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. John Sutherland is a board certified internist and cardiologist and the founder of the North Mountain Cardio programs for health and well-being.

Advisory Board DJ Doran, SDLT, Diversitas Media Dr. William Kapfer, JP Morgan Chase Angela Smith, SDL, ASANA Jake Mason, SDL, USA Dodgeball SDLC Executive Advisory Committee Eric Carlyle, SDLT Patrick Higgins, SDLT, Connect Sports Catherine Kelly, SDLT, NAGAAA

competenetwork.com facebook.com/competemag @competesports Compete Magazine instagram.com/competemagazine

10 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

PUBLISHER/CEO Eric Carlyle • eric@competenetwork.com COMPETE MAGAZINE Executive Editor Connie Wardman • connie@competenetwork.com Sports Editor Dirk Smith • dirk@competenetowork.com Health Editor Dr. John Sutherland • johns@competenetwork.com Fitness Editor Jake Tommerup • jake@competenetwork.com Art Director Heather Brown • heather@competenetwork.com Graphic Designer Kristi Wayland • kristi@competenetwork.com Contributors Ryan Adams, Harry Andrew, Ian Colgate, Ryan Evans, Jared Garduno, Aurelio Giordano, Catherine (CJ) Kelly, Bryan Lee, Miriam Latto, Kevin Majoros, Clay Partain, Brian Patrick, Elaine Wessel Staff Photographer Ariel Stevens • ariel@competenetwork.com COO/Consultant Barbara Harwell • barbara@competenetwork.com Sales & Operations Vice President Jared Garduno • jared@competenetwork.com Administration Bethany Harvat • bethany@competenetwork.com SDLC Program Coordinator Raleigh Dombek • raleigh@sportsdiversityleaders.com Copyright © 2018 MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC All Rights Reserved.

All Mail PO Box 2756 Scottsdale, AZ 85252

•

(800) 868-5906

Corporate Office 6991 East Camelback Road, Suite D-300 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 West Coast Office 3415 South Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 1100 Los Angeles, CA 90034 East Coast Office 100 Church Street, 8th Floor New York City, NY 10007 Compete is a trademark of Media Out Loud, LLC Sports Diversity Leadership Council, Sports Diversity Leader and SDL are trademarks of Media Out Loud, LLC. Subscribe to Compete Magazine online at CompeteNetwork.com

The Dodgers salute all athletes and allies participating in the

SIN CITY CLASSIC 2019 We are proud to support GLASA and to recognize the Los Angeles LGBTQ Community as an integral part of the Dodgers Community.

5

THE SIN CITY HIGH FIVE

HIGH

As an early leader in the sports diversity movement, Compete Magazine normally gives out High Fives to deserving athletes, teams, leagues, organizations and corporations as well as high profile celebrities for their contributions to promote diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance for all.

But this is the Sin City Classic where the vibe is to have fun. So when you find time in between competitions, here are five fun and entertaining things to try that won’t take you far from your host hotels.

RIDE ON THE LINQ HIGH ROLLER High Roller is a 550-foot tall, 520-foot diameter giant Ferris wheel on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States of America. It is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corporation. It opened to the public on March 31, 2014 and is currently the world's tallest Ferris wheel.

CELINE DION’S FINAL SHOWS AT CAESARS PALACE For fans of international superstar Celine Dion, her second production of Celine at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace will end on June 8, 2019, closing out a 15-year Vegas residency. Her new show includes Celine's biggest hits mixed with timeless classics and pays tribute to some of the most celebrated songs and artists of all times.

MATT FRANCO: MAGIC REINVENTED NIGHTLY AT THE LINQ Laugh, cry and be amazed, all in one spectacular performance by the winner of America’s Got Talent, Mat Franco. Voted “Best Magic Show in Las Vegas” for two-years running, his immersive live show leaves audiences awestruck with his unique feats of illusion. America’s favorite magician is redefining the genre with his signature interactive magic and never-before-seen creations.

ABSINTHE AT CAESARS PALACE This hilariously racy adults-only show is inspired by the absinthe-drenched cabarets of late 19th century Europe. Absinthe is an intoxicating cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville for a 21st century audience. The New York Times said, “Imagine Cirque du Soleil as channeled through The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

12 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

By Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA - World's tallest Ferris wheel in Las Vegas, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/ index.php?curid=58272152

FLY ON THE FLY LINQ ZIPLINE Fly at the speed of fun 12 stories above The LINQ Promenade on the Strip’s only zipline experience, FLY LINQ. The FLY LINQ Zipline is an adrenaline-fueled and electrifying sky-high experience for thrill-seekers looking for an exhilarating ride!

COMPETE READER SURVEY & GRANDSTANDING

Slots 45%

Gamble

LETTERS to COMPETE GRANDSTANDING

BLACKJACK 25% Poker 20%

OTHER 10%

Game On! I’ve been following the Sin City Classic in Compete all year long.

Really excited to have signed up to play tennis this year and looking forward to my first Sin City Classic!

Bryan Emler Phoenix, Arizona Please submit all Letters to Compete via email to letters@ competenetwork.com.

www.competenetwork.com 13

AS COMPETE MAGAZINE'S 2018 OUTSTANDING HOST CITY

GLASA

THE GLASA STORY: FROM PICKUP GAMES TO THE SIN CITY CLASSIC

BY DIRK SMITH, SDL

I

n 2018 the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) celebrated its 40th anniversary. It was quite a difference from the early days of local informal pickup games that began to grow and become locally organized. Then in 1978 GLASA became part of a movement across the U.S. to form LGBTQ-specific sports organizations and leagues.

The origins of a national gay softball organization began as an effort to promote a new gay bar in San Francisco. In 1977 the bar owner invited a gay softball team from New York City to fly to San Francisco for a tournament – the Badlands Team of San Francisco versus the Big Apple League of New York City. That three-game tournament won by the San Francisco team ultimately became the first Gay Softball World Series (GSWS).

The GSWS has continued every year since then, leading to the formation of gay softball leagues across the country, including the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association which began the next year in 1978. Distinctly Los Angeles-based, for the first year the league was known as the Inter-City Athletic Union Softball League with six original charter teams; the Griffs, Rusty Nail, Gang Green, Latinos Unidos, Boots, and Coast Times. And the games were held in a small field at West Hollywood Park located in L.A.’s traditional “gayborhood.”

As one of the five founding members of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA), from its beginning GLASA has proven to be a competitive force in the gay softball community. After winning the inaugural GSWS during its first year, the league went on to win the next three tournaments. In all, GLASA has gone on to win 27 Gay Softball World Series Championships, including 19 in what is now considered its premiere A division.

In 1988 GLASA created a B division, a C division was added in 1993 and a D division was added in 2002. With over 600 athletes playing both a spring and fall season, the league’s makeup is very diverse, mirroring the greater L.A. population.

16 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

GLASA Membership in the league currently ranges in age from 18 to 65 years and includes people from college students, the average Angelino up to high-powered executives – they’re all welcome to participate. And all the divisions have added to GLASA’s championship wins over the years.

And in 1990 GLASA formed its Women’s League which has grown to over 15 teams and seen similar successes on the field. For this year’s SCC softball tournament, male and female players can look forward to an A, B, C and D Open division; the women only play in a B, C and D division and there is a one-day Masters category that includes a Classics and Masters Legends tournament.

But 2008 was truly a banner year for GLASA. Not only was it the 30th Anniversary of the league’s founding, it was also the year that GLASA hosted its first ever softball tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. Originally known as the Sin City Shootout, the first year only included softball but the event quickly expanded, adding new sports every year. Teams that were early supporters of the tournament just kept coming back year-after-year and each year they brought more teams with them. And when word got around about how great the concept was, new sports started to enter the scene.This year there are 22 different sports competitions taking place in venues all across the city of Las Vegas. Athletes from varied parts of the globe are here to take part in their chosen sport, including a large soccer contingent coming from as far away as England and Brazil.

In a format different from other multi-sport events, the Sin City Clas-

sic has grown to become the largest annual weekend LGBTQ multisport event in the world.

Although it features sports as diverse as Body Building, Dodgeball, Running, Diving, Bridge, Ice Hockey, Billiards and more, the foundation of the event will always lie with its softball roots. Thanks to the vision of the GLASA Board of Directors, as the tournament started to grow, they decided to risk the league’s growing financial power to secure the best venues, room rates and travel expenses to keep the costs for individual athletes as low as possible.

One of the best things about this growing celebration is that while it’s geared toward LGBTQ athletes, it’s always been open to allies who wanted to play. While the competition here is fierce in every sport, the SCC is fun for everyone. Ask any straight player and they’ll probably tell you that gay sports are every bit as competitive as they’ve been used to in straight leagues but that these leagues, teams and members are a whole lot more fun.

And for GLASA softball players, the SCC tournament holds a bit more significance. The league is one of the five founding members of NAGAAA, it's won 27 GSWS tournaments (double the next highest cities' number of championships) and it has founded the Sin City Classic. The GLASA story really represents the growing importance and power of LGBTQ sports at its best.

www.competenetwork.com 17

PRIDE CHEERLEADING ASSOCIATION BRINGING

“HEELS OVER HEAD”

FUN

BY DIRK SMITH, SDL For those of you who have attended a Gay Games, you have definitely seen the representatives of the Pride Cheerleading Association (PCA). The fabulous cheerleaders, who represent cities across the U.S. and the rest of the globe have become a staple at large LGBTQ sports events.

And for those who have attended the Sin City Classic (SCC) the past couple years, you might have even noticed a few cheerleaders sneaking around the mix to spread their spirit-boosting and fundraising message. This year, however, the PCA joins in the SCC’s competitive fun, bringing with them a “Heels-Over-Head” good time.

The organization is, according to PCA secretary Sara Toogood an affiliation of adult LGBTQsupportive charitable cheerleading teams with each member affiliate having the main goal of fundraising for local LGBTQ charities and organizations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, member teams host events within their own cities to raise funds for local causes. And when teams travel, they raise money for causes in the cities in which they’re performing.

For this year’s SCC, the PCA “VolunCheerleaders” from multiple member teams will descend on Las Vegas not only for the opportunity to compete (the competition is actually optional for the group) but also for the opportunity to raise spirits, awareness and funds for a grassroots Las Vegas-based LGBTQ charity, Golden Rainbow (www.goldenrainbow.org).

Golden Rainbow provides housing, education and direct financial assistance to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. Founded in 1987 at the height of the national fear and stigma of AIDS, it was members of the Las Vegas entertainment industry who saw Photos by Mathias Casado Castro

PRIDE CHEER

an important need to provide housing for people with AIDS when one of their fellow performers was forced to live and eventually die in his family’s garage.

No doubt the Cheer competition at the 2019 Sin City Classic will be one you won’t want to miss. The PCA will be bringing the spirit and their thrilling moves as part of the actual SCC sports program. Cheerleading competition begins on Saturday, January 19 at the Flamingo Hotel’s Sunset Ballroom.

Start time is tentatively 5:30 p.m. but check the SCC website and program for time updates.

“VolunCheerleaders” from Cheer Los Angeles, Cheer San Francisco, Cheer Seattle, Capital Cheer Elite (Sacramento), Cheer Tacoma, and maybe even some representing Cheer New York, Chicago Spirit Brigade, Cheer Salt Lake, Cheer DC, and Cheer Colorado will be competing and asking for donations for Golden Rainbow – be sure to bring some cash with you to the Sunset Ballroom!

The skills, difficulty and wow factor they display equate to the college and all-star cheerleading competitions seen on TV, with similarly high standards for safety and technical execution.

The difference here is the PCA’s “Fundraising First” mentality. It’s even

reflected on scoresheets; additional points can also be earned for raising money for the designated charity.

Because individual cheerleaders attend events at their own expense (flight, hotel, and other expenses), Toogood wants people to remember that you may not see entire squads represented at the event. Participating athletes are organized into smaller groups where they can display their city’s logo or adopt a theme complete with costuming and music. The routines are … well, you’ll just have to join us at the competition to find out! (Or if you just can’t wait that long, join us for a sneak preview and some glittery PCA merch at the Registration Party on Friday at 5:00 p.m. at the Flamingo Hotel’s Sunset Ballroom.) You won’t want to miss the showdown!

Three decades later, Golden Rainbow’s programs and support are less “crisis-based” and more “an achievable dream” but are just as needed in the community. So when you see a cheerleader with a “Spirit Bucket” asking you for donations, remember – this doesn’t pay for PCA’s hotels, uniforms, training and competition expenses; it goes toward PCA’s Cheer For Life Fund and will be donated to Golden Rainbow.

www.competenetwork.com 19

SIN CITY CLASSIC HOSTS IGLFA 2019 INDOOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

S

BY DIRK SMITH, SDL

occer (aka football) has always been a staple of the Sin City Classic (SCC).

In addition to softball, it has regularly been one of the most popular sports and drawn a large number of participants at the world’s largest annual weekend LGBTQ multi-sport festival. But this year soccer is gaining a big spotlight at the SCC – it is hosting the 2019 International Gay and Lesbian Football Association’s (IGLFA) Indoor World Championship.

The IGLFA has had an international representation since its inaugural tournament at the SCC in 2013. This year, however, according to Hans Furtado Laursen, tournament coordinator for the 2019 Indoor World Championships, the organization is fielding teams from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, England and Brazil. The SCC is the perfect event and location to host the IGLFA Indoor World Championship.

Having grown yearly over the last seven years, the SCC is now considered one of the premier annual indoor soccer tournaments sanctioned and sponsored by the IGLFA, Said Furtado Laursen, “This year we will have players traveling from near and far, reaching across the pond … to include a European team for the first time, Stonewall FC from London. In addition to the 20 teams from every part of the United States, we will have players from Columbia, El Salvador, Brazil, two teams from Canada, and a record seven teams from Mexico!” The tournament is run according to IGFLA rules and regulations that also include the presence of teams at the Awards Ceremony from the tournament in which they participated as a matter of sportsmanship.

The all-gender tournament is open to all who want to play and is taking place at the Big-League Dreams Field House in Las Vegas. Seven teams are competing in the Friday 5v5 Women’s tournament and 24 teams are competing in the

20 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

Photos courtesy of IGLFA

Saturday and Sunday all-gender 7v7 Tournament. With the round robin format, each team will play at least three-to-four games in the Women’s tournament and five games in the all-gender tournament.

IGFLA, which hosted its 2018 Indoor World Championship at the 2018 Gay Games in Paris, is on track for the 2020 World Championship although a host city has yet to be selected. But the biggest recent news for IGFLA is that Ryan Atkin, the first

openly gay male referee in professional football (soccer) to come out while still active in the game, has been appointed to the IGFLA Board and now is the new European Referee Director.

Furtado Laursen notes that Ryan’s connections with numerous entities at the professional football level and within the media will help improve the visibility of the IGLFA while assisting with the overall exposure and growth of the organization. He said that “Ryan will be working hand-in-hand with

www.competenetwork.com 21

Kimberly Hadley who has been the North American Referee Director since 2007. … They also will work to develop tournaments globally and expand the tournaments supported by the IGLFA.” Gus Penaranda, IGLFA president said that “Ryan’s story has been spreading in the soccer community and has given continued hope to many who even today struggle with their identity, especially for those who play sports.” He continued to say that as a global volunteer organization, IGLFA has always aimed at finding individuals from around the world who want to help the LGBTQ community, noting that for IGFLA, the common ground is the game of soccer or sports in general.

Atkin has a great reputation as a referee in gay global tournaments such as the Gay Games or the Unity Cup but both Penaranda and Furtado Laursen emphasized that it is his knowledge of the game and the professionalism he brings to the game of soccer that has earned him the respect of players and referees alike. Working side-by-side with referees who have been doing the job for decades, Atkin has established himself as a clear role model for those who are just finding their way in gay sports competitions and to his generation in general.

As a new member of the IGLFA Board of Directors, Ryan Atkin is now part of the team that will take the organization forward so future generations can have a safe place to be who they are and to play the sport they love.

Read more about Ryan Atkin's new role as English football's only openly gay active referee in Compete's November 29, 2018 blog at www.competenetwork.com

22 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

SIN CITY ATHLETES

24 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

SIN CITY ATHLETES

SOCCER Life-long soccer player Ian Kendall moved from England to Long Beach, California at age 16. After a lot of searching he discovered the Long Beach Waverunners, an all-inclusive team that finally gave him a feeling of belonging, a sense of community. He believes it’s important that the LGBTQ community continues to push for sports diversity, for inclusion for all athletes.

Ian feels that sports give him a place to have friendly competition and create lasting bonds with both teammates and opponents in addition to keeping him active and able to set goals for his workouts. And he had his greatest athletic achievement at the 2017 Sin City Classic where he was named Division One Best Goalie.

Las Vegas has always been his favorite place to vacation, making the Sin City Classic his perfect location. Ian’s favorite Vegas spot used to be O’Sheas until they tore it down. But if you’re looking for him now when evening rolls round, try Piranha Nightclub; he says it’s always a fun time.

A financial analyst, Ian is happily married and wants to become a father. He says to be yourself and don’t be afraid about what other people will think of you.

Editor’s Note: Ian Kendall and the following athletes represent six different sports that are an annual part of the Sin City Classic. We think they are great representatives of sport diversity in action and want to thank them for their participation!

MVP & Athlete photos courtesy of Joe Schmelzer, Treasurebite Studio, Inc. www.competenetwork.com

25

Other Sports Played: Tennis Greatest Athletic Achievement: Winning gold and getting MVP at NAGVA National Championships Words For Her Younger Self: Get out there and put myself out of my comfort zone.

26 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

SIN CITY ATHLETES

Why You Love the Sin City Classic: I’ve been playing in the Sin City Classic for years and it’s the perfect blend of camaraderie, competition and fun.

Greatest Personal Achievement: My youth club soccer team was selected to be a part of the 1994 World Cup Opening Ceremony at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto.

Why You Love Sports: I love the competition, the excitement, the energy and the triumph. I’m also fascinated with the matchups, numbers, statistics and the strategy behind sports.

www.competenetwork.com 27

Favorite Athlete & Role Model: Serena Williams Why Do You Love the Sin City Classic: Seeing so many athletes from a variety of sports at a variety of skill levels coming together to celebrate themselves, each other, and their communities is absolutely incredible.

Day Job: Recruitment coordinator specializing in entertainment

28 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

SIN CITY ATHLETES

How You First Got Into Sports: My mom unsuccessfully put me in soccer at age eight; I kicked a goal into the wrong net and promptly quit.

What Are Your Future Goals: As an entertainer, I would like to write a play for myself.

Your Thoughts About Inclusion in Sports Diversity: I love how diverse our respective sports leagues are – athletes of all ages, backgrounds and genders, and a bunch of straight allies who come back season after season to play with us.

www.competenetwork.com 29

NOTE FROM PETEY

HISTORY of the PETEY AWARDS™ A NOTE FROM PETEY Just in case you are wondering, yeah, I’m the guy Compete modeled its award on. Compete Magazine was started by two rugby players participating in the Bingham Cup, a global rugby tournament named after rugby player and 9/11 hero, Mark Bingham.

There wasn’t much coverage of LGBTQ+ sports back in 2006 and Compete was started to address that gap. In fact, Compete is the first and only LGBTQ+ sports diversity magazine in the world, an honor that makes the entire Compete team feel very proud.

The picture of me they use for the Petey Awards shows me in my rugby referee uniform. I have my hand raised representing a “try” or score in rugby. And if you haven't figured it out yet, the "Petey" name for the awards is taken from ComPETE. Enough about me, though. Let me tell you about the Petey Awards.

In 2008, Compete Magazine started a tradition of honoring an amateur LGBTQ+ athlete each year as our Athlete of the Year. The support of the community was so overwhelming that in 2010 we presented the award to that year’s winner at a special event in West Hollywood.

We’ve held the awards every year since, taking it to Phoenix, Atlanta, Los Angeles twice, Denver, Kansas City and Scottsdale. And every year the event’s gotten bigger as major league team sports have begun to recognize the power of LGBTQ+ sports – I like that! Partners at the 2018 Petey Awards included the local Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona Coyotes, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the National Football League (NFL).

Compete has always kept a focus on everyday LGBTQ+ and ally recreational athletes, telling their stories and those of the leagues that have welcomed them to play. Compete has also always been generous with its time and money to help the LGBTQ+ sport community grow. It’s donated over $200,000 in cash, SDLC scholarships and in-kind donations and sponsorships. That’s FABULOUS! It’s the reason I’m so proud to represent Compete!

So if you haven’t already joined the Compete Sports Diversity Leadership Council, do it!

Petey The Awards Boss

30 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

10th Annual

Petey Awards

Las Vegas January 15-16, 2020 SDLC Conference: January 15th Awards: January 16th

TOYOTA RETURNS

TOYOTA RETURNS AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF SIN CITY CLASSIC SPORTS FESTIVAL In October 2017, leading up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games PyeongChang 2018, Toyota launched its first-ever global corporate initiative, ‘Start Your Impossible.’ The initiative marks Toyota’s commitment of working toward a more inclusive and sustainable society in which everyone can challenge their impossible. It highlights Toyota’s mission to create a barrier-free society, and reinforces the company’s values of humility, hard work, overcoming challenges, and never giving up.

It is in this same spirit that Toyota admires and applauds the differences that make us unique and celebrates the love that drives us all. This commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to the communities it Toyota serves.

For the past 11 years, Toyota has proudly earned 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. And Toyota has an even longer history of investing in dozens of LGBTQ+ organizations at the national and local levels. Toyota believes that mobility goes beyond cars; it is about overcoming

34 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

challenges and making dreams come true.

This marks the third year Toyota Financial Services has served as the presenting sponsor of the Sin City Classic Sports Festival. As such, Toyota provides critical funds and visibility to help attract greater participation in LGBTQ+ sporting leagues and competitions across the country, throughout the year.

Through the Sin City Classic, Toyota is able to share its values of continuous improvement and respect for people as we all celebrate the realization of our full potential.

“Thousands of people come together each year to compete in the Sin City Classic Sports Festival,” said Justin Leach, manager of public relations at Toyota. “But more importantly, they come together to prove that, whether you win or lose, ours is a community that celebrates you for bringing the very best of yourself.”

In sports, you try, you fail, you overcome, and you succeed. It’s a journey of continuous improvement – a journey Toyota is proud to support.

GYM BAG

GYM BAG

you Hot items without! o d t n d l u o sh

PYRAMID ANTIDOTE BOWLING BALL The Pyramid Antidote is a mid-level option for players who are getting more serious about the game, but not quite ready to pay for a premium model. It has a polished 2000-grit Abralon finish and a GPS navigational coverstock. Weighs from 12.0-16.0 pounds and features a New Era 149 Symmetric core; is ideal for medium-toheavy oil conditions and has a two-year warranty. $99. www.amazon.com

TORRX SMART BALL PUMP No Deflategatetype conspiracies with this handheld smart sports ball inflator/deflator that works for soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, rugby, water polo, etc. With a built-in gauge and LED screen, it’s easy to quickly inflate or deflate a ball to a precise pounds-persquare-inch (PSI) measurement; it also helps eliminate needle breakage with protective cap that secures needle during non-use. It can inflate 50 soccer balls on one charge from its rechargeable lithium-ion battery but is designed with algorithms that learn how to get the PSI more accurate with each use; microUSB charging cable included. Portable and lightweight (12.5 oz). $79.95 www.amazon.com

THE MERCADO™ MULTI-SPORT HELMET BATS-TOI™ (pronounced bah’tua; French for “fight”) now offers the Mercado™, an innovative multi-sport helmet that is engineered, designed and manufactured under highest standards using next-generation impact foam materials, and state-of-art engineering technology; it’s NCAA compliant, NHSCA and NFHS approved. Raised impact sections on the front, top, and back provide optimal protection against bumps, bruises, cuts and lacerations. Internal viscoelastic foam beds strategically placed to absorb and distribute impact. $85 https://batstoi.com DEMARINI GRIND WHEELED BAG This DeMarini Grind Wheeled Bag is for the serious ballplayer with lots of gear. Built for the long haul, it includes a large main compartment that fits helmet, glove, and cleats and complete set of catchers gear; individually padded bat sleeves; a separate vented shoe compartment, bottom rails and 2 integrated fence hooks and a new wheel chassis. Removable decoration panel (fits 18-inch hoop). Comes in multiple colors; $99.-$111. www.amazon.com

36 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

THE OFFICIAL VODKA OF THE SIN CITY CLASSIC

IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF

welcomes

SIN CITY CLASSIC ATHLETES, FRIENDS & FAMILY ALL TOURNAMENT WEEKEND LONG!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 9AM-12PM. BUY ONE HOUR OF GOLF PLAY, GET ONE HOUR FREE!

GET A SPECIAL TOPGOLF OFFER ALL TOURNAMENT WEEKEND LONG! REDEEM OFFER AT REGISTRATION.

AVAILABLE IN BLACK / WHITE, TURFS / CLEATS ATHALONZ.COM

@ATHALONZ

$10 WILL GO BACK TO THE SIN CITY CLASSIC WHEN USING PROMO CODE: SINCITY

®

THE OFFICIAL HARD SELTZER OF THE

SIN CITY CLASSIC

EVENTS: FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.COMPETENETWORK.COM/EVENTS MULTI-SPORT TOURNAMENT

DANCING

TENNIS

USA Dance Manhattan Amateur Classic

Australia Open

Jersey City, NJ, Jan. 18-20

Floorplay in the Desert Palm Springs, Jan. 19

12th Annual Sin City Classic Las Vegas, Jan. 17-20

• Billiards • Bowling • Bridge • Cheer • Cornhole • Darts • Dodgeball • eSports • Flag Football • Golf • Ice Hockey • Kickball • Running • Soccer • Softball • Swimming • Tennis • Ultimate Frisbee • Volleyball • Wrestle & Grapple

Royal Palm Dancesport Competition Coconut Creek, Fla., Feb. 9

Mid-Atlantic Championships Bethesda, Md., Feb. 22-24

EXTREME SPORTS

Winter X Games 23 Aspen, Col., Jan. 23-29

FLAG FOOTBALL

The Aloha Classic Honolulu, Feb. 14-18

Florida Sunshine Cup Ft. Lauderdale, Feb. 16-17

NFL

Super Bowl LIII (53) Atlanta, Feb. 3

RODEO

Arizona Gay Rodeo Phoenix, Feb. 15-17

BOWLING

Alamo City Tournament San Antonio, Jan. 18

Texas Roll-off Tournament Grand Prairie, Texas, Feb. 8

40 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

RUGBY

Dell Diamond Austin, Feb. 23

Melbourne, Jan. 14—27

2019 Clay Court Classic Ft. Lauderdale, Feb. 15-18

VOLLEYBALL

Mardi Gras Classic New Orleans, Jan. 19

Team St. Louis Invitational St. Louis, Feb. 16

NorCal Volleyball Classic XXXI San Jose, Feb. 16

A multi-day competition that brings together the LGBTQ community, united for sports and festivities.

S ALT

LAKE

UNITY FEST D ECEMBER 12-15, 2019

UNITY = VICTORY

SaltLakeUnityFest.com

CHICAGO - 2019 June 28 to June 29

sign up at

pridebowlchicago.com

2018 SDLC HIGHLIGHTS

Leadership Council The Sports Diversity Leadership Council made a lot of positive progress in 2018. Here are highlights of the year’s activities: • Launched preview of 2019 SDL Designation Online Courses developed

by Connie Wardman, M.A., SDLT. • Announced 2019 SDLC course schedule.

• Prepared for 2019 Sports Diversity Leadership Conference at Sin City Classic.

• As of December 31, 2018 (2018 year-todate), Compete Sports Diversity/SDLC has donated more than $200,000 in cash, SDLC scholarships and in-kind donations and sponsorships to further sports diversity.

• Hosted four-panel SDLC Educational Series at Sports Diversity Leadership Conference.

• NAGAAA named 2018 SDLC Organization of the Year; they will receive a donation in 2019 from SDLC member and sponsor, Pride Card Services.

• Compete Magazine announced 10th Annual Petey Awards will be presented as part of 2020 Sin City Classic along with expanded SDLC Conferences at Sin City Classic for 2020 and 2021.

• SDLC announced plans to host first annual Sports Diversity Leadership Council Honors in 2019.

• SDLC member Richmond, Virginia’s HRC Equality Index Score jumped from 42 to 92, thanks in part to SDLC. • National Football League (NFL) joined the SDLC.

42 COMPETE 2019 Sin City Classic

• Diversitas Media began introducing SDLC members to prospective sponsorpartners.

• Announced partnership with 100% Bully-Proof to provide anti-bullying education.

• Met with JP Morgan Chase and other national sponsors on behalf of SDLC to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

• Presented two educational panels at Connect Sports Marketplace.

• Diversitas Media awarded $18,000+ in cash and prizes to SDLC members as part of inaugural Goldfish Bowl.

Congratulations to winners Gay Polo League and ASANA Softball and to finalists USA Dodgeball and Lynn Lewis Foundation.

• Announced partnership with Diversitas Media to secure sponsorships for SDLC members.

• Compete Sports Diversity Jubilee announced in partnership with ASANA softball and USA Dodgeball. Event will benefit sports diversity and be held in Richmond, Virginia in May 2019.

• Introduced three-course educational webinar series on the Power of Numbers, the Power of Relationships and the Power of Resources preparing members for Goldfish Bowl.

• Announced partnership with Pride Card Services.

• Participated in Connect LGBTQ+ Tourism Summit in partnership with Nike in Portland, Oregon.

SDLC INITIATIVES FOR FIRST QUARTER 2019 FIRST QUARTER 2019 INITIATIVES JANUARY 17 Conference at Sin City Classic JANUARY 17 Selection 2019 SDLC NonProfit Partner JANUARY 17 SDLC Sports Survey

SDLC INITIATIVES FOR FIRST QUARTER 2019 The Compete Sports Diversity Leadership Council (SDLC) is the ADVOCATE for Sports Diversity through its IDEAL Principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, Acceptance and Leadership. The IDEAL Principles are the powerful core of the organization and each new member is asked to sign an agreement to abide by them.

JANUARY 17 SDL Online Course 1 Launch: Introduction to Leadership FEBRUARY 9 First Quarter Member Teleconference FEBRUARY 15 SDL Online Course 2 Launch: Types and Roles of Sports Leaders

The SDLC educates and unites its members to build a more powerful and prosperous sports community. The SDLC not only connects recreational and professional sports organizations, it also connects sports leaders with their peers and with corporate and community partners, sponsors, and travel and tourism providers.

FEBRUARY 23 Huddle Influencer; Tournament Builder

At the heart of the SDLC's effors to educate, unite and connect its members to new people, organizations and opportunities are its Sports Diversity Leadership (SDL) Designation Program, Member Certification Program and SDLC Huddles (influencers). Educational opportunities include conferences, one-on-one mentoring, webinars and virtual courses.

MARCH 15 SDL Online Course 3 Launch: Working with a Board

MARCH 1-3 Leadership Committee Huddle; Phoenix, Arizona

Additional Initiatives to be Announced

www.competenetwork.com 43