Compete November December 2019

Compete Sports Diversity Awards

Turn 10

Meet this Year's

Faces of SportS

NAGAAA Commissioner Takes the 10 Year Challenge FACES OF SPORTS ISSUE 2019 • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019 $3.95 • COMPETESPORTSDIVERSITY.COM

Diversity makes for a better cocktail party.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019 COMPETENETWORK.COM FACES OF SPORTS 13 NFL RYAN RUSSELL HONORED WITH SPORTING HERO AWARD 14 NAGAAA’S NEW COMMISSIONER JOHN DEFFEE 16 MEGAN RAPINOE: SI’S SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR 17 KERRON CLEMENT’S PERSONAL COMING OUT DAY 18 SPORTS DIVERSITY IN ACTION FOR DEAF PLAYERS 22 DWYANE WADE’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR GAY CHILD 26 GARETH THOMAS: “HIV AND ME” DOCUMENTARY IKOL PIŃON-SALVADOR: NEVER N GIVE UP; NO EXCUSES

28

30 VALERIE HICKS: PRESERVING FAMILIES AND SECURING FUTURES SPORTING A NEW NORMAL

32

34 BOSTON PRIDE HOCKEY LAUNCHES TEAM TRANS 45 HONORING PAST SPORTS DIVERSITY HONOREES 46 2020 COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY WINNERS MVP 24

PAUL SOKOLSON

GYM BAG

Compete Online Do you love to Compete? Get with the game and shop our online store, subscribe to Compete Magazine, read the hottest news blogs and check out the latest videos online at CompeteNetwork.com.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CUETO

40 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE EVENTS 42

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Compete Sports Diversity Awards

COVER ATHLETE: JOHN DEFFEE

Turn 10

Meet this Year's

PHOTOGRAPHER: DON THOMPSON

Faces of SportS

NAGAAA Commissioner Takes the 10 Year Challenge

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

FACES OF SPORTS ISSUE 2019 • NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019 $3.95 • COMPETESPORTSDIVERSITY.COM

COMPETE

5

MILLENNIAL ON SPORTS

SPORTS SHOULD INCLUDE TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX ATHLETES

BY DIRK SMITH

A

s I am well into my second year of graduate

doesn’t win all her races but on that particular day she

school and knee-deep in course work at the

had a great performance. If you need convincing, check

German Sports University, I am learning a lot

her win/loss record.

about the complexities and opportunities in sports. One of

If an athlete is mad because they lost to a trans-

the biggest lessons I have learned is that there is still a lot

athlete, that isn’t an opportunity taken away; that is

to learn.

poor sportsmanship and a bad attitude. Making excuses

One of the most heated issues in sports this last

and justifying one’s own poor performance by blaming

year has been regarding transgender and intersex

it on another athlete is simply unbecoming of a true

athletes participating in sports. Lots of people are

champion. Out of the thousands of elite female athletes

throwing around lots of opinions about this issue. But

in the world, McKinnon is the only trans woman to win

the real fact is that none of these opinions matter.

a world championship title in sports. Nobody “lost”

Seriously, people who can’t begin to tell the

because she is a trans woman; they “lost” because instead

difference between an intersex and a transgender

of focusing on putting forth their best performance, they

individual suddenly have an opinion about the inclusion

were focused on someone they never even met.

of intersex and transgender athletes in sports? Good

If we ban all non-cisgender athletes from

grief! We have access to the greatest repository of

participating, how can we expect to answer questions

knowledge in human history yet people can’t be bothered

like “How does hormone therapy in transgender athletes

to do the most basic amount of research before offering

affect sports performance?” or “Does serum testosterone

their opinions. Their opinions aren’t based on any kind

levels in female athletes with hyperandrogenism create

of factual or objective information but instead are based

performance advantages?” We still have a lot to learn

on confirmation bias and fear mongering. `

about this topic, and while there are a lot of sports

Regarding the inclusion of transgender and intersex athletes in sports, there have been some

organizations adopting trans-inclusive policies, there is no current “perfect policy.”

relevant and important questions raised – questions

By creating more inclusive environments in sports,

that absolutely are worth asking and understanding.

we are creating an opportunity to learn and grow our

Unfortunately, there is not enough scientific research

body of knowledge in how to help sports adapt to the

to form a consensus. This is simply because we don’t

future rather than remain stuck in the past. We must

have enough experience on this topic to have pursued

make sure that the future of sports includes trans,

this kind of research. While organizations such as USA

intersex and cisgender athletes alike.

Powerlifting are asking these kinds of questions, they are then enacting blanket bans on transgender participants.

How are we supposed to learn from intersex and transgender athletes if we don’t even give them a chance to participate?

After transgender woman cyclist Dr. Rachel McKinnon won her world championship title in October I was asked, “How do you feel about trans women athletes taking opportunities away from the cisgender women athletes?” My answer was simply that there were no opportunities taken away. In competition the opportunity is always there, existing for each person to take advantage of it. Like all elite athletes, McKinnon

6 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

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

CATBIRD

The New Face of Sports Diversity Thanks to the sports diversity movement, sports will never again be the same for disenfranchised athletes! As we enter a new decade, this issue reflects the new landscape of sports diversity. We are seeing the changing faces of LGBTQ+ athletes, faces that once were hidden, closeted, excluded, not talked about in so-called “polite society.” Thankfully, the rules of the old societal framework are being broken.

It’s the sports diversity movement that has changed that. In the truest sense of the phrase, this is a paradigm shift – one that honors the Compete Sports Diversity Council’s IDEAL Principles Pledge of Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, Acceptance and Leadership.

This issue shares stories of transgender athletes and the challenges they face; a gay married couple with three children that now include them in their sports life; a new team of transgender and non-binary athletes and stories of incredible women softball players with physical challenges who play the game they love. We also have a new league commissioner who faces the changing face of sports as he leads his international organization into a new era.

As I reflect on the accomplishments in sports diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance over the past decade it makes me both humble and proud to be a part of Compete Sports Diversity and its branches of Compete Magazine, the Petey Awards and the Compete Sports Diversity Council.

As we worked to unite the world through sports starting in 2006, I’ve watched Compete Magazine grow into a living storyboard of the evolution of this important movement. In telling the stories of various segments of the LGBTQ+ sports community, we’ve become the voice of sports diversity. And our Petey Awards really celebrate the accomplishments of athletes, organizations and businesses for all their efforts to make sports available to anyone who wants to play.

So I invite you to join us at our 10th Annual Petey Awards on January 16, held this year for the first time in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Sin City Classic. Join us in honoring those who are making a difference in our collective world of sports and beyond!

PUBLISHER/CEO Eric Carlyle eric@competesportsdiversity.com COMPETE SPORTS DIVERSITY Executive Editor Connie Wardman connie@competesportsdiversity.com Sports Editor Dirk Smith dirk@competesportsdiversity.com Community Editor at Large Ty Nolan ty@competesportsdiversity.com Art Director Heather Brown heather@competesportsdiversity.com Contributors Ryan Adams, Harry Andrew, Ian Colgate, Ryan Evans, Jared Garduno, Aurelio Giordano, Catherine (CJ) Kelly, Miriam Latto, Kevin Majoros, Ryan O'Connor, Clay Partain, Brian Patrick, Elaine Wessel Staff Photographer Ariel Stevens ariel@competesportsdiversity.com Consultant Barbara Harwell barbara@competesportsdiversity.com Vice President Jared Garduno jared@competesportsdiversity.com Administration Bethany Harvat bethany@competesportsdiversity.com Compete Sports Diversity Council Consultant Raleigh Dombek raleigh@competesportsdiversity.com Copyright © 2019 MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Compete Unites the World Though SportsTM All Mail PO Box 2756, Scottsdale, AZ 85252 • (800) 489-1274 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

CONNIE WARDMAN, M.A., SDLT connie@competesportsdiversity.com @CompeteConnie

8 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

Sports Diversity Leadership Council, Sports Diversity Leader and SDL are trademarks of Media Out Loud, LLC. Subscribe to Compete Magazine online at CompeteSportsDiversity.com

HIGH FIVE

5 HIGH

As an early leader in the sports diversity movement, Compete Magazine 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. Here are five who get a High Five for a job well done!

CYNDI LAUPER, SINGER, SONGWRITER, LGBTQ+ ACTIVIST … for receiving the inaugural U.N. Human Rights Award for her lifelong work to eliminate LGBTQ+ youth homelessness.

Co-founder of True Colors United addressing this problem in 2008, Lauper will be presented with the 2019 High Note Global Prize by a U.N. Human Rights representative and Kesha during the High Note Honors segment of Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays at the Novo Theater at L.A. Live on December 10th.

CRAIG MAXWELL-KEYS, U.K. RUGBY REFEREE FOR GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP … for recently coming out as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign launched in 2013 by U.K.’s Stonewall charitable organization promoting equality for LGBTQ+ athletes. Maxwell-Keys now joins out rugby referees Ryan Atkin and Nigel Owens, and former pro players Gareth Thomas and Sam Stanley.

JAKE ATLAS … for becoming the first openly gay wrestler to sign a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Atlas will make his WWE league debut in January.

DISABLED SPORTS USA … for its 32nd annual The Hartford Ski Spectacular that included U.S. Paralympians, Wounded Warriors and Boston Marathon survivors among its 800 participants.

GUS KENWORTHY, OLYMPIC SILVER-MEDAL WINNING FREE SKIER … for formally joining Great Britain Snowsport to compete for his birth nation at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games to honor his British mother.

Eva Rinaldi from Sydney, Australia - Cyndi Lauper Uploaded by tm

10 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

COMPETE READER SURVEY & GRANDSTANDING FAVORITE “AFTER THE GAME” DRINK

LETTERS to COMPETE GRANDSTANDING

45% BEER

30%

VODKA

20%

TEQUILA

5%

OTHER

Swim Fan (July-August 2019) I loved seeing the athletes from the Gay Softball World Series strut their stuff in your swimsuit issue. It is amazing how “ordinary” athletes look so good. Next time, I would like to see more women in the photoshoot, but for now Bravo!

Lynn Tyler Anchorage, Alaska Football Fanatic (September-October 2019) When I opened Compete’s September-October issue I was pleasantly surprised to see so much on New York’s Gay Bowl. As a huge football fan it was great to see almost an entire issue of Compete dedicated to my favorite sport. I hope you keep up this wonderful tradition.

Sal Harper Brooklyn, New York Please submit all Letters to Compete via email to letters@competenetwork.com.

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

11

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

NFL FREE AGENT RYAN RUSSELL HONORED WITH SPORTING HERO AWARD NFL free agent Ryan Russell, who came out as bisexual in an emotional August ESPN interview, was in London in November to accept the Sporting Hero award at the Gay Times Honours 500 event.

The event honors those who have had a “profound impact on the lives of LGBTQ people,” and Russell was honored for providing more representation for LGBTQ+ athletes.

“I just want to play ball for a team that knows me off the field and values me on it.”

wanting “the next part of my career — and life — steeped in trust and honesty.”

He was accompanied to the awards by his boyfriend, dancer Corey O’Brien. Following publication of his essay, Russell posted a YouTube video with O’Brien on their joint YouTube channel.

Noting the lack of openly gay players in the NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL, Russell has said his two goals are

In his ESPN interview Russell shared that he wanted

returning to the NFL and living his life openly, writing “I

to be honest to his teammates, coaches, trainers, front

just want to play ball for a team that knows me off the field

office executives and fans about his sexual orientation,

and values me on it.”

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

13

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

NAGAAA’S NEW COMMISSIONER

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

Ten years ago Compete was honoring softball player John “JayJay” Deffee as its 2009 Athlete of the Year and this year it congratulates him as the new commissioner of NAGAAA, the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, the international association of gay and lesbian softball leagues.

As the 11th commissioner since its founding in 1977, John is responsible for leading NAGAAA’s estimated 35,000-plus members that represent 46 member associations, 44 of which are in the U.S. and 2 in Canadian provinces.

For those who know John, this should come as no surprise that he’s been tapped for such an important role.

As Compete Magazine’s second Athlete of the Year he is, like all those chosen since the award’s inception in 2008, an outstanding athlete. But honorees of this award are also active leaders within the gay community – movers and shakers in their local LGBTQ+ communities as well as often serving on state, national and international levels.

And that aptly describes John and his commitment to sports, to the LGBTQ+ community and to life itself.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, in spite of his busy schedule, John currently plays for Texas Force, an A division team with the Pegasus Slowpitch Softball Association (PSSA) in the Dallas, Texas league (yes, he regularly flies back and forth between Phoenix and Dallas).

His goals for the new decade will be to welcome and encourage new ideas and explore possibilities and areas the organization hasn’t explored before. “I think it is important,” he said “to be mindful of what this organization was founded for and why it was created.

And while respecting those core values, move the organization forward and begin to adapt and slowly modify some pieces to meet what is happening in our current world.”

When we look at John Deffee’s passage through the decade between 2009 and 2019, it has been amazing, filled with all the same important qualities that originally earned him the title of Compete Magazine’s Athlete of the Year in 2009. I think he best expressed the experience of

He says that NAGAAA “changed my life

the great number of gay and ally athletes everywhere and

forever. At the moment I didn’t know, realize or

in every team sport that gay sports are more than just a

even appreciate the impact it had or was going

sport and a competition; “this is a family reunion a few

to have. It truly had a large role in who I was to

times a year, a celebration of who we are.”

become as a person and as a professional with my career.”

14 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

Congratulations to you, John Deffee – you have been named Compete's Visionary Athlete!

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

Photos by Michael Cueto

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

15

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

MEGAN RAPINO SI’S SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

Elite soccer player Megan Rapinoe is making history yet again, this time being named by Sports Illustrated (SI) as their Sportsperson of the Year.

In SI’s 66-year history, she is only the fourth woman to appear on its cover as an individual, joining Chris Evert, Mary Decker and Serena Williams as the only women in SI’s 66-year history to win the award by themselves.

A midfielder, winger for Seattle Reign FC, she was part of the 2019 U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) that won the Women’s World Cup in France. As co-captain of the team, Rapinoe not only led the team to victory, she also called out the Trump administration after his Twitter attacks and declared that “I’m not going to the f**king White House.”

While many professional athletes are fearful of losing their careers and try not to court controversy, Rapinoe has fearlessly and consistently used her sports stardom and voice for equal rights.

In solidarity with NFL player Colin Kaepernick, Rapinoe has knelt during the National Anthem to highlight racial injustice and gotten benched for it. Then following their World Cup win, all 28 members of the USWNT, including Rapinoe, sued U.S. Soccer, filing a gender discrimination lawsuit that included issues of equal pay, medical treatment and transportation.

But in addition to this current SI honor, Rapinoe is the first lesbian to pose for the SI Swimsuit Issue, and she and girlfriend, WNBA top player Sue Bird are the first lesbian couple to be featured in ESPN’s Body Issue, all done, according to Rapinoe, about bringing visibility and normalcy for the LGBTQ+ community.

Although she is an elite athlete, Jenny Vrentas of Sports Illustrated has said this about Rapinoe’s award: "Megan Rapinoe is Sportsperson of the Year, though, not because of her newfound fame but because of how she’s handled it. She owned the biggest moment of her life and silenced all the doubts. Except, perhaps, her own."

16 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019 Lorie Shaull [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

KERRON CLEMENT'S PERSONAL COMING OUT DAY

BY BRIAN PATRICK U. S. Olympic gold medal winning track and field athlete Kerron Clement chose National Coming Out Day to announce to the world that he is gay. While at a Nike event at Los Angeles City College celebrating the new rainbow pride track partially funded by Nike, Clement opened up about being gay. He’s believed to be the first out U.S. Olympic male track and field athlete who is still actively competing.

In an interview with Outsports, the 33-year-old hurdler said, “I was tired of loving in the dark and being in the dark by myself.” He is now less concerned with what people think about him. Hoping to help other LGBTQ+ people who are isolated and worried how others perceive them, he’d like to help them find the strength to live the authentic life they want without fear of judgment from others.

Clement appreciates the struggle he went through when people made fun of him and said things behind his back because he believes it made him strong, it made him work harder because he had something to prove. He believes it’s what made him an Olympic champion.

Believing that love is love, he revealed that while he has an attraction to men and currently identifies as a gay man, he doesn’t want to label himself, saying that, “it’s about loving somebody. I could be attracted to a female one day or a guy.”

Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Clements family moved to the U.S. in 1998 and Kerron, who competes for the U.S., became a citizen in 2004.

Already an elite athlete since his world record-breaking 400-meter sprint at the 2005 NCAA indoor championships representing the University of Florida, Clement has gone on to win three Olympic medals: a gold in the 4x400 meter and a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles in Beijing in 2008 and a gold in the 400-meter hurdles in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He’s also won four gold medals and a bronze in the world championships in Osaka Berlin and London.

Eckhard Pecher (Arcimboldo) / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

17

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

SPORTS DIVERSITY

IN ACTION!

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

L-R AJ, RACHEL, VICTORIA, KARA

Sports diversity is all about inclusion, diversity,

Hard of Hearing in Washington D.C. and played a wide

accessibility and equality. Some people talk a good game

variety of sports. They’ve also settled in the Washington,

when it comes to including the LGBTQ+ community or

D.C. and Northern Virginia areas, are in their mid-to-

those of a different race or ethnic background on their

late 20s and all four are “taken” in terms of a personal

teams. But when it comes to an athlete with a disability

relationship.

they sometimes assume that that athlete can’t help their

When it comes to sports, they love it – they all play

team win. Thank goodness the Quit Your Pitching softball

on additional softball teams and leagues, including the

team knows better!

National Softball Association of the Deaf (NSAD). But

Meet Kara Gulvas, Alicia “AJ” Johnson, Victoria

their passion for playing sports doesn’t stop at softball.

Rainey and Rachel Sweigart, all enthusiastic athletes who

All told, the list includes tackle football, flag football,

don’t believe their Deafness is a disability or that it can

basketball, soccer, track & field, volleyball, cheerleading,

prevent them from playing winning softball … or doing

golf, cornhole, even funambulism (tight rope walking)!

anything else they put their minds to!

What has impressed me most about these women

Quit Your Pitching is the clever name of one of the

is their passion for living a full, productive life and

teams that is part of CAPS, the LGBTQ+ and ally-friendly

having fun. For those who may think that being deaf is a

Chesapeake & Potomac Softball League that draws players

disability, you only have to read what they’ve had to “say”

from the greater Washington/Baltimore metropolitan

about being Deaf and about their ability to play softball.

area. They are part of NAGAAA, the North

Their only request to me was to correct any spelling or

American Athletic

AJ

and in

Amateur

grammar errors because, as they reminded me, English

Association

isn’t their first language – it’s American Sign Language

also ASANA

play

(ASL).

(Amateur

Learning ASL is perhaps one of the best things

Sports Alliance of North

hearing athletes can do to improve the feeling of inclusion

America) tournaments.

on a team. Here’s what Victoria has to say about it:

Quit Your Pitching has

As a Deaf person and a Deaf athlete, it’s important to

had deaf players for the

be included in everything. Exclusivity is a common

last four years.

problem among the Deaf community. We are often

In addition to all playing

Quit

pushed aside because of the communication barrier

Your

that can easily be solved … if they just learned our

AJ,

language. There is a way to overcome that and it is

Victoria and Rachel have

by trying. Start somewhere. We “hear” this often

other similarities. They’ve

(pun intended), that they want to learn ASL. Now

all

the question is, what’s really stopping them from

Pitching,

for

Kara,

attended

Gallaudet

University for the Deaf and

18 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

learning this beautiful language?

2019 FACES OF SPORTS Here are just a few questions I asked each of these Wonder Women. When you read their answers, I’m sure

Hearing people just need to learn to be themselves, interact and learn from there.

you’ll be as impressed by them as I am. Just maybe you’ll

Kara: Each team has its own dynamics and I

not only expand your vision of what sports diversity

would adjust to the team and the team would have to

really is but also sign up to learn ASL!

adjust to playing with me. We would learn each other’s

Compete: Does your team have a hearing player fluent in sign language? And if you don’t have an

weakness and strengths. Also, I apply my knowledge to the game and play.

interpreter on the team, what do you do when you play Victoria: As a Deaf person, I can play a team

away games? Do you have to hire a local area interpreter?

sport like everyone else. The only difference between AJ: We don’t have any hearing players who know

the “hearing” players and Deaf players is our form of

sign language on our team [Quit Your Pitching]. We don’t

communication. I use my hands – they use their voices.

need an interpreter to play the game we know and love.

Deaf people usually communicate using their hands and

But we would prefer to have an interpreter for hearing

sometimes, both. It might be perceived as a barrier to

people doing presentations, events, coaches talking or

others but it’s not always the case. If everyone knows the

other people asking something. I go to play softball and

rules, everything can fall into place. It might not be the

maybe educate others about [Deaf players] but then I’m

easiest thing to accomplish but it’s possible to establish

also there to have fun as well as everyone else.

some sort of communication before playing. It helps if you build some sort of connection with the people on

Compete: As a deaf person, how are you able to

your team and the people officiating your team.

play a team sport? What do you need as a player and how Compete: Why do you love sports?

is the team able to interact with you in a fast-moving sport like softball?

Victoria: That’s almost like asking us why we Rachel: To me, I have never really considered my

breathe. I love sports because it gives me hope. It gives

deafness as a barrier in sports. The game is the same

me reasons to be better. Over the years sports have taught

regardless of who plays it. However, I love playing with

me that hard work pays off, physically and mentally.

my Deaf community since it does add more conversation

I learned how to be confident and if I wasn’t, how to

and comfort to the game. For my hearing leagues, we

change that. I could go on and on how sports benefit me,

discuss signs or gestures prior to the games to be able to

but the main reason why I love sports is because it has

communicate on the field.

shaped me into the woman I am today.

AJ: I am an athlete; I have been playing sports

AJ:

Sports

are

my whole life and I’m a fast learner. Sports are invented

my life! It is one of the

mostly by gestures. If I’m going to play with hearing

reasons that keep me

people who don’t know sign language, we will use

going. I play for the Love

gestures in softball language. If the team knows how to

of the Game!

interact with me in sports, they can just be themselves and work with me. But usually when they’ve never

Kara: I love sports

met a deaf person, they will avoid us or act weird since

because of two things; the

they don’t know how to react or respond. Honestly,

camaraderie of being

Americans are usually the only people who don’t

on a team and they

know how to gesture with others and then panic.

keep me busy.

You’ve just got to be yourself and try your best to learn how to work with others. We Deaf people have been working with hearing people our whole lives.

Rachel:

I

am a small-town girl

who

didn’t

Rachel

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

19

2019 FACES OF SPORTS "I love sports because it gives me hope. It gives me reasons to be better.

Over the years sports have taught me that hard work pays off, physically and mentally. I learned how to be confident and if I wasn’t, how to change that. I could go on and on how sports benefit me, but the main reason why I love sports is because it has shaped me into the woman I am today."

Victoria

have much else to do growing up. It’s always felt like

value relationships over things, stop comparing yourself

therapy for me and I always have such a blast playing.

to others and most importantly, love yourself.”

Compete: What would you like to tell your

Rachel: If I could go back and tell my younger

younger self or perhaps say to younger deaf athletes

self something, I think I would say don’t be so hard on

looking up to you as a role model?

yourself, let go of the little things and always stand up for what you believe in no matter how difficult it may

Kara: If I was given the chance to tell my younger

seem at the moment. I want the younger generation to

self something, I would say this: “Have courage, know

learn to always treat others with respect and if you see

that you’re worthy of great things, give back, be grateful,

someone struggle, help them rather than watch. Be the best you can be.

AJ: For the younger Deaf generation, if you want to play the sport you love, fight for it and commit to it.

Do not degrade yourself to others and become lazy and cocky. Stay humble, support each other and don’t go against each other.

Victoria: If I was able to teach the younger

Kara

generation, especially younger Deaf individuals who may be looking up to me, I would say: “Try. Don’t sell yourself short and don’t think the worst before trying.

If you fail, try again. You miss all the opportunities you don’t take.”

Thank you, AJ, Kara, Rachel and Victoria for taking part in this interview. You’ve certainly shown the hearing community in general and hearing athletes in particular that Deaf athletes definitely know how to “Play Ball!”

20 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

DWYANE WADE'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND SUPPORT FOR GAY CHILD

Perhaps no one has been more outspoken this year in support of his gay child than retired NBA star Dwyane Wade. In a recent episode of Matt Barnes’ and Stephen Jackson’s “All the Smoke” sports podcast, Wade referred to 12-year-old Zion using both male and female pronouns (Zion uses she). “I’ve watched my son, from day one, become into who she now eventually has come into,” he said. “Nothing changes with my love, nothing changes with my responsibilities.”

While Wade has supported Zion going to a Gay Pride Festival in Miami Beach this past April and also spoke out this past Thanksgiving against trolls criticizing Zion for wearing a crop top and acrylic nails in a family Instagram post, the podcase is the first time Wade has used a female pronoun when referring to Zion.

Calling acceptance of gay individuals as the “new normal,” Wade said that those who don’t understand LGBTQ+ individuals need to realize that they themselves are the ones who are out of step. “You're different,” he said, “Not the people that are out here living their lives, man."

Wade shared that Zion gave him pause to change his perspective on the LGBTQ+ community. When asked how Zion is handling all this, Wade replied, "You want to talk about strength and courage? My 12-year-old has way more than I have."

"You can learn something from your kids."

By Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA - Dwyane Wade, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6428779

22 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

MVP

PAUL SOKOLSON Photo cour

tesy of Jo

Photo courtesy of David Daniels, dav.d Photography

hn Cox

TEAM COMPETE MVP

FIRST AND LAST NAME: Paul Sokolson.

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Eddie George.

AGE: 35.

FAVORITE TEAM: THE Ohio State University.

HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, New York.

OTHER SPORTS PLAYED: Basketball, tennis, golf.

CURRENT RESIDENCE: North Bergen, New Jersey.

INTERESTS/HOBBIES: Motorcycling, fishing, volunteering with children, fostering meaningful relationships with my friends and family.

CURRENT SPORT(S) PLAYED: Flag Football.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Dating.

24 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

YOUR DAY JOB: Director of Operations at Leaf Medical.

"It’s simple. Sports are for people, and the LGBTQ community is a community of people, from all walks of life, with all levels of ability, of every persuasion. " Photo credits: L-R Flag Football The Movie ; David Daniels, dav.d Photography; Mike Sipin; John Cox

WHY DO YOU LOVE SPORTS? Being involved in sports has taught me some very valuable lessons throughout my life. I learned that you have to work hard to achieve your goals, that teamwork trumps talent and that a true leader is not appointed but only becomes one after it is earned. I love the thrill of competition and the joy of camaraderie.

HOW YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED IN SPORTS? I come from a family of five, including an older sister and brother. I was the only member of my family born in the U.S. The rest of my family were born in Ukraine, speaking Russian and sacrificing a great deal to travel across the world in pursuit of the American Dream. By the time I was born, my parents were middle aged and my siblings were 10 and 15 years older than I. Being somewhat awkward, together with secretly knowing that I was gay made playing sports in my teens a poor fit.

In college at THE Ohio State University, I sprouted to over 6’6” tall and noticed the automatic respect that generally comes from towering over others. With an environment of openness on a big campus where all types of people coexisted peacefully, I began to gain confidence in my abilities as well as acceptance of my true self.

It wasn’t until I was 21 years old and just out of college that I was introduced to the NY Gay Flag Football League in its inaugural season. The league was an eyeopening experience and some of the inspiring young men built something special that allowed me to understand that you can be gay and be a “jock” at the same time. I became comfortable in my own skin and finally had the confidence and courage to come out to my friends and family.

Sports, particularly gay sports, was the conduit to that monumental personal growth.

WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL STORY? TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU. After being around the LGTBQ community through sports interactions, developing friendships, getting involved in other peripheral community events, groups, etc., most of us like to think that we have a comfortable grasp on what it means to be one of the many letters and symbols in our not-so-abbreviated abbreviation. The truth is, we’re all

learning and growing as we go. Through my experiences, I’ve had the pleasure of being introduced to some of the many facets of the broader LGBTQ community by some very courageous, interesting, wonderful, sometimes quirky people. These interactions have taught me some of what it means to be transgender, what it means to take back an often used epithet and reclaim it as a moniker, what it means to be lesbian and why it’s important for the gay male community to be inclusive.

These role models have taught me about really looking at masculinity and tearing down harmful preconceptions, and about treating women of all types of sexualities with a real human respect, not chivalry. There were many other lessons, with so much more still to learn. I guess the biggest lesson is to remain open-minded and accepting when dealing with people who are different than what I’m used to. I think that will go a long way.

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE, WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO SHARE WITH THE YOUNGER GENERATION THAT MAY BE LOOKING UP TO YOU? This is a great time for some introspection and self-love.

Despite the constant barrage of negative news, there are good people out there and to always look for the best in people. And to try to be open-minded. For all the times you were the outsider and felt lost, there are many occasions when you closed others out, whether out of fear or ignorance. Be open to others. Be open to suggestion and change. Be open to new things because many new things are better things.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY’S INCLUSION IN SPORTS DIVERSITY? It’s simple. Sports are for people, and the LGBTQ community is a community of people, from all walks of life, with all levels of ability, of every persuasion.

Gone are the days when people in sports assumed LGTBQ people weren’t good enough to compete, or even wished to compete. We have proven that we can perform at levels equal to anyone else in the game, and we have. In many cases, the others just didn’t know it was us. Now, many of us are out and open. Many are yet to come out. But the point is that it just doesn’t matter; an athlete is an athlete is an athlete.

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

25

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

GARETH THOMAS: HIV AND ME DOCUMENTARY SHOWS THAT LIVING WITH HIV DOESN’T MAKE YOU WEAK

BY DIRK SMITH When Gareth Thomas revealed his HIV status a few months ago, he didn’t have much of a choice.

Thomas later shared that the impromptu coming out was motivated by a tabloid reporter who outed him as HIV to his parents and sought their comment for his story before Thomas ever had a chance to talk to his parents.

Thomas decided to take control from the reporter whom he criticized sharply for revealing his status. Speaking on 5 Live, he shared the following: “That person came and took that moment away from me. And my parents will say that they’re fine, because that’s my parents. But I can’t really tell you how they felt because I can’t imagine how they would feel.

“Can you imagine someone coming to your door and saying something so personal and so intrusive to you about the person you would love and protect through anything? Can you imagine how that would feel?”

He went on to say that “[My parents] love me whatever, but I can never have that time back. I can never have that moment back … to sit down with them and be able to explain to them why their son is going to be OK and is going to be able to live through this and live a healthy, normal life.”

Thomas made it clear that revealing his status was against his will, that he was unable to share the news on his terms because of the reporter’s intrusive actions and the tabloid’s threats to publish the story.

“I haven’t got the money to be able to fight a giant tabloid in court. When they do it they’ll somehow find justification for doing it. They’ll say it’s OK, a family member told us something.”

Despite this, Thomas has used the experience as an opportunity to make a documentary, "Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me," in which he dives deeper into his life and experiences living with HIV and his experiences in coming to terms with the condition.

The documentary also features Thomas working to break down the stigmas, myths and misunderstands of HIV while educating the audience about how modern medicine has made the virus treatable and non-transmittable.

The documentary, debuting to critical acclaim and support for Thomas, has been described as emotional and powerful. The documentary concludes *spoiler alert!* with him finishing the Ironman Wales (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run) where he finished in 12 hours and 18 minutes as 413th out of 2039 athletes.

Thomas

showed

that

living

HIV does not make you weak, nor is it a barrier for you to continue working toward achieving your goals. He finished

the

Ironman

only a day after making his initial announcement regarding his status.

Following his announcement and Ironman finish, Thomas received widespread support from his family, friends and people all over the world, including Sir Elton John and Prince Harry who shared the following message on Instagram …

“Gareth, you are an absolute legend! In sharing your story of being HIV+, you are saving lives and shattering stigma, by showing you can be strong and resilient while living with HIV. We should all be appalled by the way you were forced to speak your truth; it is yours and yours alone to share on your terms and I and millions stand with you. H” Thomas has been a fierce activist for people living with HIV/AIDS and for prevention programs, and he works with Terence Higgins Trust that works to provide services related to HIV and sexual health. He is also working with Prince Harry and members of the royal family who support and work with Thomas on his effort to normalize the conversation.

Note: Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me is available to stream on BBC One - UK users only

Photo credit: David Cameron and Gareth Thomas.jpg: ukhomeoffice derivative work: User:Tsange [CC BY 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)]

26 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

with

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

NEVER GIVE UP;

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

28 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

While the admonition to never give up and to ditch excuses sounds like it could come from any true ASANA (Amateur Sports Alliance of North America) competitor, these are the words Nikol Piñon-Salvador, a 42-year-old resident of the Bay Area, lives by on a daily basis. She plays for the Switch Hitters of the Alameda Women’s Softball League. Oh, and by the way, she’s an amputee who plays softball with just one arm.

At age 18 Nikol was in a head-on collision and the seatbelt severed her left arm at the shoulder; it also took the lives of her cousin and a friend as well as the driver of the other car. She says her recovery wasn’t an easy process but blessed with a “strong rooted family of faith,” she quickly learned to adjust by trying and never giving up.

When asked about what would clearly be considered a deficit by most players, Nikol quickly responds that “the only deficit I feel I have is my mental game.” Talking about her team, she says that “they’re so supportive; we have fun, we stay competitive and we vibe well.” Sports are an outlet for her from the hustle and bustle of work and home life and she loves the team camaraderie.

Involved in sports from a young age in swimming, she’s also run track and played basketball. Nikol admits that at one point in her life she was overly competitive and very aggressive – not much of a team player. But in her early twenties she was playing football with the guys and one of them asked her to play softball. True to form, she accepted the challenge and not long after, league became once a week to five times a week to tournaments. It didn’t take her long, she says, to realize what she had been missing out on not playing team sports.

Happily married to her wife, Arielle who also plays on the Switch Hitters team, Nikol shares that in the Bay Area at least, the LGBTQ+ community and softball have gone hand-in-hand so her experiences as a lesbian player have always been great. She then adds that sports and sexual orientation is something she’s never focused on, saying, “we’re all athletes and that’s the only label on our backs when we’re playing. I wished everybody saw it that way.”

Nikol’s not shy about her injury; she wears tank tops and despite stares and whispers, she includes herself in all activities.

In addition to softball, she likes cooking, working out, anything outdoors and anything dogs! “You only live once; don’t waste it wondering about what could’ve been; just get out there and do it. Be the best version of yourself.” Her philosophy is to always try something once, even if you’re not good at it, saying that the experience is a blessing in and of itself.

In her own words, here is how Nikol lives her life every day.

NEVER GIVE UP. NO EXCUSES. It’s better to be one of a kind than like all the rest. SHINE. Keep your family close, always say thank you, hold the door open for everyone and always give your seat up if someone else needs it. Never fear the butterflies because heartbreak can lead to your greatest love story. BE KIND, ALWAYS. It sounds like great advice!

Photos courtesy of Nikol Piñon-Salvador

YEARS

FLORIDA SUNSHINE CUP

X

FEBRUARY 13-17, 2020

FLORIDA SUNSHINE CUP FORT LAUDERDALE, FL www.sfffl.org/tournaments

X

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER REGISTRATION: EARLY BIRD - $55 THROUGH 12/31/19

PRESENTED BY:

League

For Play, After Play A delightful sports destination

GREATER BIRMINGHAM CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

sportsbirmingham.com | 800 - 458 - 8085

www.Competesportsdiversity.com GBCVB_4_625x3_625Æ’.indd 1

COMPETE

29

11/13/19 3:31 PM

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

VALERIE HICKS

Preserving Families and Securing Futures While preparing for our upcoming Compete Sports Diversity Awards in Las Vegas, Compete was able to interview Valerie Hicks, executive director of Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) of Nevada.

Compete:Please tell us a little about yourself, Valerie.

Valerie Hicks: I have been a social worker for over 40 years. I have a master’s degree in social work and a life- long commitment to the development of strong families in which our children can thrive. I love supporting families and ensuring children have the tools to be successful in life. I am married (43 years) mother of two sons and three grandchildren. I moved to Las Vegas six years ago to head up SAFY of Nevada.

C: What brought you to SAFY of Nevada?

VH: I was working for SAFY in Cleveland and was asked to come to Las Vegas.

Our goal was to create a stronger collaboration between SAFY and the community.

C: Can you tell us about your role at SAFY? VH: As the executive director my role is to garner understanding around the needs of children and families in o u r

community. I take those needs and determine what programming would best meet that need. I also ensure that the quality of our work meets our highest industry standards and ensures financial sustainability for the services we deliver.

C: What is SAFY’s mission?

VH: Our mission is preserving families and securing futures.

C: Currently, what is SAFY’s greatest need?

VH: We need loving treatment foster homes in which our children can heal and thrive.

C: What are some of your future goals?

VH: To develop a relationship with vocational education programs to support our teens and provide training to them and to acquire funding for an educational liaison.

C: What is it that makes SAFY unique?

VH: The tremendous amount of support we provide to our foster parents. We also have a sincere sense of family which includes staff, foster parents and our children. We are available 24/7.

C: What else can you tell us about SAFY? VH: We have been in operation nationally since 1984. We opened in Las Vegas in 1994. We also have an outpatient mental health clinic that serves children and families from the community. We are not-for-profit and are accredited by COA, Council of Accreditation which is like a good housekeeping seal of approval for social service organizations.

C: How can people get involved or help SAFY? VH: People can become foster parents themselves or share our message to those who might be interested. They can donate to SAFY of Nevada by going online www.safy.org. Also you can invite SAFY to present to your employer, social group or other gathering of folks to share our message.

We want to thank Valerie Hicks for her time as well as for all the important work that she, her staff and foster parents of SAFY of Nevada are doing to protect the most vulnerable group of all –our children.

30 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

L -Mason Hite-Devine; R - Chris HiteDevine; Boys from top down:Dominick, Angel, Ricky

SPORTING a new normal

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

With the 2015 advent of marriage equality in the

Airlines, had ever thought much about. But Mason said

U.S., the face of gay sports has begun to change. Couples

that Chris wore him down and after really thinking about

who once never dared dream of becoming parents are

it, he says he warmed to the idea.

now happily building their families in a variety of ways.

In 2011 they graduated from the local foster care

And having children has created a new normal for many

agency classes and within hours they had a placement.

gay athletes; it’s the LGBTQ+ sports version of the “bring

Their first foster child didn’t stay long but then came

your kid to work” day. It’s now about bringing your kid to

their second – Ricky, age six and a half, who according

your practice or game and experiencing some wonderful

to Mason had the best smile in the whole world. From

one-on-one bonding time surrounded by supportive

the beginning Ricky and Mason just clicked and had lots

teammates and friends

of fun together. A year later the couple was able to adopt

If you look at the happy Hite-Divine family picture

him.

on the opposite page, it shows a formal picture worthy

After a year went by the couple began thinking

of a Christmas card. And when you look at the picture

about adding a sibling for Ricky but decided to go the

of the same happy family above, it shows a fun, informal

straight adoption route through the Arizona Department

picture that also illustrates the new normal for many

of Child Services (DCS). Within several weeks following

LGBTQ+ athletes. The couple lives in Phoenix with

their contact with DCS they went on several placements.

their three children; Ricky, age 14, Dominick, age 11 and

Then one day DCS called about a placement with not one

Angel, age 10.

but two children; siblings Dominick and Angel.

Mason Hite and Chis Divine have been together for

Chris and Mason weren’t thinking about adopting

18 years and married in California on September 8, 2008

two children at the same time. Yet not believing the

just before the state’s Prop 8 ban went into effect. While

brothers should be split up, they agreed to meet the

Chris, a data analyst at NOAH (Neighborhood Outreach

boys at a local McDonalds in March of 2014. As they sat

Access to Health) had always wanted children, it wasn’t

across from the boys, Mason says within five minutes his

anything that Mason, a flight attendant for American

parental instincts kicked in and he was wiping Angel’s

Photos courtesy of BarePhoo(t) Fo(t)o Studio

32 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

2019 FACES OF SPORTS member. And when Mason is out of town, Chris is his official substitute.

Although Ricky’s age puts him in junior bowling, he’s just not interested. He loves bowling with his dads. And the rest of the league members ranging in age from their early 30s to 92 really enjoy having him there and giving him bowling tips.

Loving and nurturing gay parents like Mason and Chris Hite-Divine are now part of the new normal. They are expanding the boundaries of gay sports to include their children as part of that allimportant family bonding dynamic. And kids like Ricky, even non-bowling younger Back row: Ricky, Chris, Mason Front row: Angel, Dominick

brothers Dominick and Angel are gaining

runny nose with a McDonalds napkin. There was no more question about only one child – the couple’s adoption process was like an express train. By July 10 that year the family of three became a family of five.

all the wonderful benefits sports provide.

What this new normal is doing is growing a whole new generation of athletes who

About three years ago Mason was looking

don’t see a difference between a gay and

for a fun activity and a friend mentioned joining

a straight or ally athlete – they only see

and friends having fun playing Mattfamily Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly sports.

The new normal is showing league bowls in three-person teams. But when the third at The LINQ people that sports of all kinds are for person on Mason’s team didn’t show up, Ricky filled in GayBowlingPhoenix’s Thursday Night 3-Ways league at the local Let It Roll Bowl lanes. As the name implies, this

one night as third and quickly became the ongoing third

everyone who wants to play!

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.”

Ricky Hites-Divine: “The best smile in the world.”

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

33

2019 FACES OF SPORTS

LAUNCHES

TEAM TRANS

BY DIRK SMITH

Working

to

increase

representation

and

participation of athletes who identify as transgender and non-binary in sports, Boston Pride Hockey has launched “Team Trans,” an initiative “where the goal isn’t to win – it’s to prove that everyone has a place on the ice!”

Team Trans officially kicked off on November 10-11 with the Team Trans Friendship Series that included a series of scrimmages, games and workshops with other members of Boston Pride Hockey specifically to organize a trans and non-binary-specific hockey team.

Players’ Association (PWHPA). Platt is the first trans woman to come out during her professional career.

Browne and Platt were joined by Aidan Cleary and Ashleigh, both of whom have a passion for hockey but often found themselves at odds with their gender identity and athletic identity.

The world of sports, including hockey has been a notoriously hostile environment for many trans and non-binary people who are often left to sacrifice one aspect of their identity for the other.

Fielding a team of transgender athletes is a grassroots effort supported by Boston Pride Hockey.

This grassroots movement to launch

The Team Trans Friendship Series included coaching,

transgender teams is being made by many

guidance and playing from several professional and elite-level transgender and non-binary hockey players, including Harrison Browne, Jessica Platt, Aidan Cleary and Ashleigh.

LGBTQ+ sports clubs. The goal is to offer trans

and

non-binary

athlete-specific

teams an opportunity to build a sense of

Browne is perhaps the best known player on the

community and offer a safe and welcoming

team. Joining the National Women’s Hockey League

place for their athletes to participate in

(NWHL) following his graduation from college, in his second season he became the first professional hockey

sports. Some other initiatives have included

player to come out as transgender. But he delayed his

Tel Aviv LGBTQ+ Sports Club’s TransBall

medical transition to play the sport he loves and help

and West Hollywood Aquatic’s Lanemate X.

two teams win the NWHL championship before retiring.

Beginning his transition in 2017, Browne openly shared every step on YouTube, including his top surgery, giving other trans individuals an understanding of the process.

He’s been pivotal in helping to develop one of the first trans-inclusive participation policies in professional sports for both transgender male and female athletes.

Currently serving on the NWHL advisory board as inclusion leader, he was ranked as one of hockey’s Top 100 People of Power in 2016 by The Hockey News.

Jessica Platt played for the Canadian Women’s Hockey Players’ League (CWHL) as a member of the Toronto Furies. However, after the league folded last year she moved to the Professional Women’s Hockey

34 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

The topic of trans participation in sports has often become heated, uncivil and non-productive. However, the most important thing is to ensure that there are opportunities and communities that are inclusive and oriented for trans and non-binary athletes. This helps provide much needed visibility that can advance the discussion, build educational opportunities and create welcome and safe communities for trans athletes.

Team Trans is open to all trans and non-binary hockey players regardless of experience or playing level; all are invited to take part. Additionally, Team Trans is accepting donations to help establish the team and build upon its mission. For more information and to donate, visit: https://bostonpridehockey.org/team-trans

- Pet Adoption - Pet Grooming - Pet Boutique

4343 N. Rancho Dr. #244, Las Vegas, NV 89130 www. PuppyBoutiqueLV.com Phone (702) 658-8820

BEST OF VEGAS OUTDOORS

THE BEST OF

LAS VEGAS

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

For those of you headed to the Sin City Classic (SCC) from January 16-19 (and who’s NOT!), what’s the best advice for getting the most out of your trip? Come early; stay late!

While some athletes come only for the four days listed, many do come a day or so early and a number of others stay an extra couple of days once the festivities are over.

Here is a small list of suggestions for things you can enjoy in addition to the SCC

BIG BUS TOURS

If you’re a Vegas newbie try the Big Bus Tours first. Whether you choose a day or nighttime tour, this hop on/hop off format let’s you tour the famous Las Vegas Strip, Fremont Street, the Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas sign and the city’s very best museums back to back, spending more time in your favorite places while still saving your feet for the competition.

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! Fly seated starting at $30 but if you’re ready to fly it like a superhero, it’ll start at $40. (P.S. Backwards flying is now available.)

THE BIG APPLE COASTER For more thrills, try the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York. For just $15 you can hop aboard The Big Apple Coaster, zip your way past hotel skyscrapers and take in unmatched views of the Strip. With speeds up to 67 mph, this taxi’s twists and dips are sure to have you screaming and coming back for round two.

RIDE ON THE LINQ HIGH ROLLER The LINQ High Roller is a 550-foot tall, 520-foot diameter giant Ferris wheel on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise,. With sweeping 360-degree views of the Las Vegas Valley and The Strip, the wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution and features 28 spacious cabins to accommodate guests. It’s currently the world's tallest Ferris wheel.

EIFFEL TOWER LIGHT VIEWING DECK If you prefer your viewing with less motion, try the viewing deck atop the Paris, Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower. The high-altitude attraction is located 46 stories up and is a half scale replica of the world-famous Paris, France landmark.

And take in their new free, recurring light show every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour from sunset to midnight.

The show features synchronized and choreographed twinkling and colored lights for visitors to enjoy nightly on The Strip.

HIT THE SLOPES AT MT. CHARLESTON Snow in Las Vegas? You'll find it in the high elevation of Mt. Charleston. Head to Lee Canyon for skiing, snowboarding, tubing and other winter activities. The resort also has a new lodge this season. So feel free to grab a drink and warm up by the fireplace.

36 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

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

OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS

VisitTucson.org/Sports

match winning team ready to dar aw an e nc rie pe Ex rfect facility. your event with the pe

A Variety of Venues with Off the Field Fun

100 HRC RA TING

Whatever the game, we’ve got a place for you to play.

From preseason Major League Soccer to aquatics and cycling events, Tucson’s sporting venues can tackle it all. Take your play off the field and explore Tucson’s vibrant nightlife or indulge your culinary curiosity in a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

With over 300 days of sunshine, Tucson makes it easy to keep the game going.

Contact Luchie Javelosa LJavelosa@VisitTucson.org

520.770.2129

BEST OF VEGAS

AUTO

NON-PROFITS

SMALL BUSINESS

AthleteEquality.org

entouragevegas.com

SafeNest.org

oasismedicalmassage.net

alfaromeousaoflasvegas.com

MEDIA lasvegaspride.org

Puppy Boutique Las Vegas “Healthy Puppy ~ Naturally Happy”

lasvegasspectrum.com SAFY.org/Nevada

PuppyBoutiqueLV.com

REAL ESTATE

qlifemedia.com

38 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

Tim Dunn timdunngroup.com

vegasmassageworks.com

SAFENEST INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV) DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE BY RACE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY. SafeNest is Nevada’s largest, most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to ENDING domestic violence for ALL victims.

We listen. We give support. We can HELP. Call or Text 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 702-646-4981 Chat online at SafeNest.org

GYM BAG FOR 2019 AND BEYOND MONSTER CRACKERS – WOODEN CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS CELEBRATING DIVERSITY Monster Crackers believes that representation matters and everyone deserves a place to shine during the holidays.

Who made the rule that Christmas stories have to be limited to reindeer, Santa and snowmen? And most of all, why are nutcrackers almost always soldier dudes? We’re changing things up! Monsters are awesome; they represent the outsiders, the marginalized and anyone who has the courage to be yourself when you feel a little “different.” Monster Crackers are a line of collectible holiday ornaments and illustrated children’s story books that expand the presence of strong women, independent children, queer and non-binary role models and monsters throughout the holidays. They’re colorful, modern characters that blend traditional nutcracker forms with pop culture style.

Monster Crackers believes that diversity is always in season and together we can make the holidays a little more colorful and a lot more diverse. monstercrackers.com GOTHAM KNIGHTS RFC 2020 CALENDAR Celebrate 2020 every month with the Gotham Knights RFC’s 2020 Calendar, part of its annual fundraising activities leading to the bi-annual Bingham Cup, hosted this time in Ottawa, Canada in the summer of 2020. The Gotham Knights 2020 Calendar showcases the unique personalities housed within this great club. As a community representative, $1 from the sale of each calendar will be donated to an LGBTQI+ charity.

The Bingham Cup is named for American hero and LGBTQ+ icon Mark Bingham who died on 9/11 helping storm the cockpit of United Airlines Flight 93. At the time Bingham and local rugby player Scott Glaessgen were planning to found a rugby team in New York City … the Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club. $20.20. For online sales: gothamknightsrfc.square.site/product/gotham-rugby-calendar/9?cs=true WOMEN IN SPORTS: 50 FEARLESS ATHLETES WHO PLAYED TO WIN A richly illustrated and inspiring book by Rachel Ignotofsky, Women in Sports highlights the achievements and stories of fifty notable women athletes from the 1800s to today, including trailblazers, Olympians and record-breakers in more than forty sports. Featured athletes include well-known figures like tennis player Billie Jean King and gymnast Simone Biles as well as lesser-known champions like Toni Stone, the first woman to play baseball in a professional men’s league and skateboarding pioneer Patti McGee. Hardcover - $13.30 amazon.com RAINBOW LACES Wearing Rainbow Laces is an amazing way to show your support for LGBTQ+ athletes everywhere.

The Rainbow Laces Campaign was launched in 2013 by the U.K. LGBTQ+ Stonewall equality organization. There are three types of laces: standard flat laces for all shoes, round laces for sports shoes, or short round laces for children’s shoes. £2.99/$3.95 Bulk orders will benefit from discounted prices. (Please ensure correct shipping address before placing a large order and include a telephone number. Returned packages will incur a fee.) stonewalluk.myshopify.com/collections/accessories/products/rainbow-lacesall?variant=28475497447514

40 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

EVENTS: FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.COMPETENETWORK.COM/EVENTS BASEBALL WBSC Premier 12 Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Nov. 2-17

BASKETBALL NIT Season Tip-Off

New Mexico Bowl

Hurricane Showdown

Albuquerque, N.M. Dec. 21

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Las Vegas Bowl

TENNIS

Las Vegas, Dec. 21

Boca Raton Bowl

Brooklyn, N.Y., Nov. 20-22

Boca Raton, Fla., Dec. 21

Myrtle Beach Invitational

Cotton Bowl

Conway, S.C., Nov. 21-24

Arlington, Texas, Dec. 28

Charleston Classic

CFP Semifinals:

Charleston, S.C., Nov. 21-24

Orlando Invitational Orlando, Fla., Nov. 28-Dec. 1

Wooden Legacy Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 288-Dec. 1

BOWLING Capital Halloween Invitational Tournament Falls Church, Va., Nov. 1

2019 IGBO Mid-Year Tournament Detroit, Mich., Nov. 5-11

Los Angeles Silver Screen Invitational Tournament

Peach Bowl, Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 28 Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, Ariz., Dec. 28

Military Bowl Annapolis, Md., Dec. 31

Holiday Bowl San Diego, Calif., Dec. 31

GOLF Presidents Cup Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 9-15

HANDBALL 2019 World Women’s Handball Championship Kumamoto, Japan, Nov.30-Dec.15

HORSERACING

Holiday Invitational Tournament

Melbourne Cup

Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. 29

Victoria, Australia, Nov. 5

DANCESPORT

MULTI-SPORT

Timberline Throwback

South-East Asian Games

Seattle, Wash., Dec. 6

Manila, Philippines, Nov. 30-Dec.10

FOOTBALL

RODEO

Pac-12 Football Championships

IGRA Convention

Santa Clara, Calif., Dec. 6

Denver, Colo., Nov. 21-24

ACC Championship

RUGBY

Big Ten Championship Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 7

SEC Championship Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 7

42 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

Madrid, Spain, Nov. 18-24

Citrus Classic 2019 – MASTERS SERIES Tampa, Fla., Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Palm Springs Open 26 Rancho Mirage, Calif., Nov. 29-Dec. 1

ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP UFC245 Las Vegas, Dec. 14

VOLLEYBALL Golden Apple XIII – Masters New York City – Nov. 9

Capital City Classic Sacramento, Calif., Nov. 9

President’s Pride Cup Washington, D.C., Nov. 30

Na Hoa Aloha Volleyball Tournament Honolulu, Hawaii, Dec. 7

Los Angeles, Nov 22-24

Charlotte, S.C., Dec. 7

Davis Cup

Women’s CanAm Series Televised, Nov. 20 & 24

SOFTBALL Veterans Day Classic San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 8-10

LAVA Classic XI Louisville, Ky., Dec. 14

NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 19-21

All-Gay Cruises.

Everywhere You Love.

Do you cruise? Atlantis cruises and resorts deliver a mind-blowing all-gay vacation. Explore the most stunning destinations, incredible entertainment and outrageous parties. Elevate your standard in gay travel and discover the Atlantis experience today. Visit www.atlantisevents.com.

CST# 2033720-40

atlantisevents.com

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

43

10th Annual

Honoring the Best in Sports Diversity

Petey Awards

TM

Purchase tickets:

SportsDiversityAwards.com

PAST PETEY HONOREES AND THE WINNERS WERE ...

Since 2010 it has been Compete's honor to recognize many impressive and deserving individuals and organizations. Here is just a partial list of past honorees.

2018 Honorees Included: Arizona Cardinals, NFL Franchise Arizona Coyotes, NHL Franchise Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB Franchise Budweiser/Bud Light Federation of Gay Games Gay Bowl XVIII Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority National Football League (NFL) Noel Guevara, Arizona Diamondbacks Ryan O’Callaghan (Former NFL Athlete) Sam Lehman, Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year 2017 Honorees Included: Connect Sports Detroit Sports Commission Dr. Jen Welter, First-Ever Female NFL Coach Kansas State University Kutak Rock LLP, National Law Firm Major League Soccer (MLS) Missouri Gay Rodeo Association, Community Event Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports Prudential Shigeo Iwamiya, Board Member for National Flag Football League (NGFFL) & New York Gay Flag Football League (NYGFFL) 2016 Honorees Included: Allison Jones, Team USA Gay Paralympic Athlete Colorado Rockies, NHL Franchise Dave Pallone, Former MLB Umpire Gus Kenworthy, Professional Freestyle Skier Jeremy Ballard, Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year JP Morgan Chase, Diversity Advocate

Professional Golf Association (PGA) of America Pride Bowl, National Gay Flag Football Tournament Sonya Lewis, Female Athlete of the Year USA Rugby, Rugby National Governing Body You Can Play, Non-Profit Organization 2015 Honorees Included: Billy Bean, MLB Ambassador for Inclusion, Former MLB Athlete David Kopay, Former NFL Athlete Desert AIDS Project, Non-Profit Health Organization Jake Mason, Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year Kristin Flickinger, AIDS/LifeCycle Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS Franchise Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Franchise San Diego Bolts, San Diego American Flag-Football League (SDAFFL) Snell & Wilmer, Regional Law Firm Wade Davis, Former NFL Player, Equal Rights Activist 2014 Honorees Included: Arizona State University Chip McKinney, Gay Polo League Founder Esera Tuaola, Former NFL Player Karen Bailey and Nelda Majors, Equal Rights Advocates MillerCoors Phoenix Mercury, 2014 WNBA Champions R. Tony Smith, Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year Sue Wieger, LPGA Athlete Wells Fargo & Co.

Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB Franchise Northern Trust Bank Robbie Rogers, MLS Athlete Scott Norton, Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Athlete William Kapfer, LGBTQ+ Pioneer 2012 Honorees Included: Hosted by Matt Fish, Retired NBA Player Jack Mackenroth, Athlete of the Year Georgia State University Lexus Microsoft Molly Lenore, Sports Pioneer National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) Nike Aaron Walton, LGBTQ+ Pioneer 2011 Honorees Included: Ben Cohen, MBE, Professional Athlete of the Year David Rae, Athlete of the Year 2010 Honorees Included: Hosted by Greg Louganis, Olympic Diver Special Guest, Bravo TV Personality Madison Hildebrand Michael Holtz, Athlete of the Year

2013 Honorees Included: Chris Mosier, Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year Cyd Zeigler, Sports Pioneer Helen Carroll, Sports Pioneer Jared Garduno, NGFFL Commissioner Jason and Jarron Collins, NBA Athletes Kirk Walker, UCLA Softball Coach

www.Competesportsdiversity.com

COMPETE

45

2020 PETEY AWARD HONOREES

10th Annual Compete Sports Diversity Award Honorees The following individuals and organizations will be honored at the 10th Annual Compete Sports Diversity Awards ceremony to be held on January 16, 2020 as part of the Sin City Classic in Las Vegas from January 15-18.

EDITOR’S AWARD Winner: Quit Your Pitching Softball Team, Amateur Sports Alliance of North America (ASANA) COMMUNITY BUSINESS AWARD Winner: Tim Dunn, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services OUTSTANDING LAS VEGAS SPORTS ORGANIZATION AWARD Winner: Federated Gaymers League VOLUNTEER AWARD Winner: Michelle Barron, Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) BODHI AWARD Winner: Las Vegas Pride EXCEPTIONAL NEW TOURNAMENT AWARD Winner: Salt Lake City Unity Fest and Visit Salt Lake

GROUNDBREAKING SPORTS PARTNERSHIP AWARD Winners: Cascade Flag Football League and Seattle Seahawks

VISIONARY ATHLETE AWARD Winner: Commissioner John Deffee, North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA)

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD Winner: Jesus Godinez, Phoenix Gay Flag Football League

MARK BINGHAM ATHLETE OF YEAR Winner: Nikol PińonSalvador, Switch Hitters of the Alameda Women’s Softball League

CORPORATE ADVOCATE AWARD Winner: Fox Rothschild TRAILBLAZER AWARD Winner: Robert Goman and Nike LEGACY AWARD Winner: Alexis Levi, Alexis Levi Sports and Entertainment Group PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION AWARD Winner: Las Vegas Lights

EMERGING SPORTS DESTINATION AWARD Winner: SportsPittsburgh

CORPORATE PARTNER AWARD Winner: JPMorgan Chase

MOLLY LENORE INSPIRATION AWARD Winner: Pride Cheerleading Association

SPORTS ADVOCATE AWARD Winner: Dr. William Kapfer, JP Morgan Chase

46 COMPETE NOVEmber - december 2019

Compete Sports Diversity Council Honors HOST CITY HONOR Winner: Tempe Tourism Office for Outspoken Women in Triathlon Summit SPORTS PIONEER HONOR Winner: Holly Anderson PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION HONOR Winner: Arizona Cardinals

10

th

10th Annual

January 16, 2020

PRESENTED BY

VIP PARTNER

PARTNERS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS MEDIA PARTNERS