SL Hardwood basketball team brings home bronze from Gay Games XI in Guadalajara

Salt Lake’s LGBTQ basketball team, Team Hardwood, competed at Gay Games XI in Guadalajara.

When it became evident that Hong Kong would be a challenge to host the Gay Games, the Federation of Gay Games leadership faced a daunting challenge. The clock was ticking, and the FGG was looking for an alternative venue. In stepped Guadalajara, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

The basketball event was organized by the USA National Gay Basketball Association, led by Mark Chambers and Jason Jaramillo. Teams from around the world showcased not only their athletic prowess but also the spirit of unity that the Gay Games embodied.

Team Hardwood was made up of core players Stewart Ralphs, Jared Warnock, and Jonathan Juretich, who were joined by long-time National Gay Basketball Association friends 6’7” Rob Smitherman and guard Byron Thompson and new players/friends Memo, Jose, Andrew, and Diana.

The team played in the C Division against teams from an independent team, Los Angeles, and Jalisco and ended up with a Bronze medal.

This was Stewarts’ fifth Gay Games and he looks forward to XII València Gay Games 2026 in Valencia, Spain.