Portland GSWS 2017: Photo courtesty of Larry Barthel, Triquetra Productions
HOSTING THE LARGEST LGBTQ SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Hosting a GSWS is not without challenges, the biggest one in Milwaukee was being the trail blazer for the street parties and moving the charity event outside the host hotel. “Oh, how I remember the discussions about that during the host city committee/board calls,” said Garcia. “Our mission was to raise the bar in the right way, all with positive experience for the players.” It resulted not only in local pride but also how many more players now recognize the importance of NAGAAA in regard to national and international exposure and awareness of the LGBTQ community. “Personally, I was postured to prove that I'm not a straight ally that just wants to hang around but someone who wants to help the LGBTQ community keep moving forward,” she stated proudly. “Hosting a GSWS has so many rewards, including showing off the city we love and being part of a positive impact for it and making so many wonderful friendships along the way.”
PORTLAND, OREGON Roy Melani, 2017 Portland Host Committee Chair said that having now hosted twice in 15 years, this was the most gratifying volunteer work he has ever done. Portland was put on the map as a city that is both progressive and lots of fun. Portland hosted its first GSWS in 2002, the first following the 9/11 terrorist attack. “Our tribute to the fallen softball player in the twin towers was one of my personal highlights,” Melani expressed. “The New York contingent was given black balloons to release as a soloist sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and then a rainbow release of balloons happened – it was very emotional and powerful.” Fifteen years later Melani had another highlight at Portland’s 2017 GSWS opening ceremonies. “With 4,000 people and our video tribute to those softball community members we lost this past year with “Seasons of Love” by the Glee cast playing in the background, our city will never be the same. There are always challenges; in Portland it was getting people to follow through on their commitment
20 COMPETE july - august 2018
to volunteer. With 300+ volunteer slots for each GSWS, volunteers play an enormous role in ensuring a successful event. “What makes the GSWS tick,” said Melani “IS the volunteers. My experience in a few words is LIFE CHANGING! It has been a desire of mine to give back to our LGBTQ sports community and what better way than the GSWS. Striving to show the world that gays can play sports and do it well while also enabling those who never thought sports were an option to experience a great event!” The Portland Rose City Softball league has grown from 10 open teams to 18 since 2002 and there is a renewed excitement for the GSWS. “Through gay softball we are truly providing a safe space for gay men and women to compete,” Melani concluded. “Only one team wins each division but we all win with the experience of a lifetime. That has been my experience from the last 22 GSWS events that I’ve attended.”
DALLAS, TEXAS Ryan Holdhusen, 2014 Dallas Host Committee Chair said, “I had played in PSSA (Dallas league) since 2006 and really was involved only as a player and coach. I loved my league and traveled to a number of tournaments where I started meeting more and more people. Because of my background in event planning and my desire to get more involved with NAGAAA, it was my honor and a thrill of a lifetime to be the vice president of the 2014 GSWS in Dallas.” Holdhusen oversaw all official events and added a few new events just for the 2014 GSWS. Dallas faced a number of challenges, like staffing a week-long event and moving literally tons of water around to various fields. But the committee was able to connect and partner with LGBTQ organizations in the corporate world and loyal local league members and fans to make sure everyone was treated with Dallas’ best hospitality. With the weather cooperating, the GSWS was even able to tie into Dallas’ annual Pride celebration. There were big parties on each end of the GSWS and people came in early to celebrate and stayed until the final street party closed out the 2014 GSWS. “Personally,” said Holdhusen, “it was the start of a lot more involvement in NAGAAA which has been extremely rewarding and fun. I now have friends in every NAGAAA league and my chosen family continues to grow. It's a brotherhood/ sisterhood that is unlike any other. The GSWS is ground zero for all the good that NAGAAA stands for. “Our community came out in droves to volunteer, cheer, party and found many other ways to get involved in the event,” he continued. “Our membership has continually grown from year-to-year and our local