THANK YOU Partners
“Thank you to our incredible Capital Cup Partners for your generous support and commitment to inclusive sports. Your partnership empowers our mission and helps make the Capital Cup a standout celebration every year.”
Capital Cup is here!
Compete Sports Diversity is proud to be part of this year’s Capital Cup. As our nation’s capital transforms into a global stage for LGBTQ+ visibility and celebration, we are honored to welcome athletes, allies, and advocates from around the world to compete, connect, and unite.
At Compete, our vision is simple but powerful: Sports For All™. The Capital Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a declaration. A declaration that sport belongs to everyone, that every identity deserves to be seen, and that community is our greatest strength.
This week, you’ll witness excellence on the field, court, and course. You’ll feel the energy of WorldPride throughout Washington, D.C.—from unforgettable events to powerful stories that remind us why we show up and stand proud.
We couldn’t have made it here without the leadership of WorldPride, the Capital Pride Alliance, Team DC, Destination DC, our dedicated community leaders, sponsors, partners, volunteers—and you.
Thank you for being part of this historic moment. Let’s make it one to remember.
With
You,
Eric Carlyle, SDLT CEO | Sports Advocate
Destination DC Statement:
The nation's capital is proud to host WorldPride DC 2025, a landmark event that celebrates diversity, equality and love on a global scale. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Pride in DC, this momentous occasion will bring people together from around the world to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community through a series of meaningful events, including the Capital Cup Sports Festival.
Capital Cup Leadership
Team
Miguel Ayala, Team DC
Grace Thompson, Team DC
Nick Price, Destination DC
Holly Rattanakone, Destination DC
Sahand Miraminy, Capital Pride Alliance
Ryan Bos, Capital Pride Alliance
Linda Lindamood, WorldPride
Schedule of Sporting Events
Washington, D.C., Welcomes Everyone
Cheering on Capital Cup
Destination DC Shows Its Pride
IGLA Makes a Splash
WorldPride Takes on DC
IGRA Ropes In Pennsylvania Ave
Bringing Golf to Everyone
Unlock Peak Per formance
CEO | Sports Advocate
Eric Carlyle, SDLT eric.carlyle@competediversity.com
VP of Sports | Sports Advocate
Trayer Martinez, SDLT trayer.martinez@competediversity.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITA | Sports Advocate
Connie Wardman, SDLT connie.wardman@competediversity.com
Senior Editor | Sports Advocate
David Smnith, SDLT david.smith@competediversity.com
For information about Team DC please contact:
Migual Ayala, President | miguel@teamdc.org
For information about Destination DC or hosting an event in Washington, DC contact:
Nick Price, Senior Manager, Sports and Events | nick@washington.org
All mail: PO Box 2756 Scottsdale, AZ 85252
© Copyright 2025 Media Out Loud, LLC All Rights Reserved
Washington, D.C.: A Capital of Inclusion and Celebration
As the nation's capital and a global symbol of democracy, Washington, D.C. stands as more than just a seat of power—it is a vibrant, inclusive city where diversity is celebrated and every identity is welcomed. For LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and allies arriving for the Capital Cup and WorldPride events, D.C. offers not only world-class facilities and iconic landmarks but also an unwavering commitment to equality and belonging.
From its storied neighborhoods to its forward-thinking leadership, Washington, D.C. has long embraced its role as a progressive, inclusive hub. With one of the most active LGBTQ+ populations in the country, the city boasts a deep-rooted history of queer advocacy and visibility. In fact, D.C. has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States, with approximately 14.3% of its adult population identifying as LGBTQ+ . This vibrant community contributes to the city's dynamic culture and underscores its reputation as a welcoming destination.
For athletes competing in the Capital Cup, this legacy of inclusion is more than symbolic —it's tangible. From local organizations like Team DC, which has championed LGBTQ+ sports for over 20 years, to national events such as the Gay Games and Sin City Classic, D.C. has earned its reputation as a top-tier destination for queer sports and recreation.
But what truly sets Washington apart is its ability to blend tradition with transformation. Here, the historic steps of the Lincoln Memorial echo with the voices of civil rights leaders—and today, they are joined by LGBTQ+ advocates marching for equity, justice, and pride. The very streets that once welcomed suffragettes and protesters now host rainbow flags, Pride parades, and sporting events that affirm and uplift.
During WorldPride, visitors can expect a city in full celebration. Museums, restaurants, and nightlife venues proudly fly the rainbow flag. Cultural institutions host LGBTQ+-focused exhibitions and events. And the city's hospitality industry—from hotels to transit—goes the extra mile to ensure that every guest is seen, respected, and celebrated.
Washington's leaders, including the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs, continue to foster an environment where sports, identity, and activism intersect. Their support ensures that events like the Capital Cup are not just permitted but championed as vital expressions of community and resilience.
Whether you're stepping onto the field or simply soaking in the sights, Washington, D.C. invites you to be exactly who you are. It's a city of champions, change-makers, and community builders—a place where the spirit of competition meets the power of pride. In Washington, inclusion isn't just an ideal—it's a lived experience. And as the world gathers in its streets to celebrate love, authenticity, and athletic excellence, there's no better backdrop for progress in motion.
Cheer DC Prepares for WorldPride: A Celebration of Community and Visibility
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS, SDL
As WorldPride approaches Washington, D.C.,
The team emphasizes its commitment to the entire LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on supporting transgender and nonbinary individuals who are often the target of political attacks.
Central to Cheer DC’s mission is giving back. For the second consecutive year, the team has selected Rainbow Families as its primary fundraising beneficiary. The nonprofit supports LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating parenthood and offers vital resources, including:
Legal guidance for LGBTQIA+ parent ducational classes on family plannin IVF and surrogacy suppor
Community networks for prospective parents
Cheer DC is proud to announce it will present a donation check during WorldPride that will push its total charitable contributions past $100,000—a milestone that underscores its deep commitment to advocacy through performance.
Smyth, who joined the team after seeing them at D.C. Pride, said the experience sparked a passion that eventually led to their two-year tenure as president.
“What started as curiosity has become the honor of my life,” Smyth said.
As the global spotlight turns to Washington for WorldPride 2025, Cheer DC is ready to shine—unapologetically visible, defiantly proud and unwavering in its commitment to community, performance and progress.
Destination DC Lands WorldPride and the Inaugural Capital Cup
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS, SDL
A City Transformed by Pride and Sport
2025 is a landmark year for LGBTQ+ sports and visibility—and right now, all eyes are on Washington, D.C. as it hosts WorldPride and the inaugural Capital Cup. With the city transformed into a global stage for competition, inclusion, and celebration, participants are witnessing history in motion.
DID YOU KNOW?
Washington, D.C. has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States—14.3% of the city’s population identifies as LGBTQ+.
Team DC: The Power Behind the Play
At the heart of this moment is Team DC, the local LGBTQ+ sports organization helping bring the Capital Cup Sports Festival to life.
Grace Thompson, Team DC’s Vice President, has helped lead this transformation. From her early days with the DC Front Runners in 2006 to representing Washington at the Gay Games Assembly in Paris, her work laid the foundation for D.C.'s emergence as a global sports destination.
“We understand we’re greater than the sum of our parts.” — Grace Thompson, VP, Team DC
20 Sports. One Celebration.
The Capital Cup is hosting 20 sporting events this week—from rowing to rodeo, rugby to roller derby, and darts to dancing. The festival also features the 2025 International LGBTQ+ Aquatics Championships, which include swimming, water polo, artistic swimming, diving, and the theatrical IGLA Pink Flamingo.
Beyond the Game
Team DC’s reach goes well beyond sports. Their scholarship program supports LGBTQ+ college students, and their “Night Out” events bring thousands of fans to pro sports games across the region—creating meaningful visibility and unity.
With partners like Destination DC and support from city agencies, Team DC ensures this week’s festivities are not just successful—but empowering.
A Lasting Legacy
As the Capital Cup unfolds, Team DC’s leadership is front and center—fusing logistics with heart. Their advocacy helps ensure that LGBTQ+ athletes compete at the highest levels, while being seen and celebrated for who they are.
In a city where Pride is part of the culture—and inclusion is part of the fabric—Washington, D.C. is not just hosting history. It’s making it.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS
“The Capital Cup extends our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who helped bring this event to life. Your time, energy, and passion make everything possible. We couldn’t do it without you!”
The 2025 IGLA+ World LGBTQIA+ Aquatics Championship Makes a Splash at Capital Cup During WorldPride DC
By David Smith, M.Sc., CSCS, SDL
The 2025 IGLA+ World LGBTQIA+ Aquatics Championship is set to make a splash during the Capital Cup in Washington, D.C., as part of WorldPride 2025.
Scheduled for the week of May 31 to June 5, the 2025 IGLA+ World Championships are a highlight of the Capital Cup LGBTQ+ sports festival, hosted alongside WorldPride DC. Presented by the District of Columbia Aquatics Club (DCAC) and the DSeahorses water polo team, the 39th edition of this annual event celebrates inclusivity, athleticism and community within LGBTQIA+ aquatics.
Athletes from around the globe will converge at the Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center in Arlington, Virginia, to compete in five disciplines: swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo and open water swimming.
Swimming events span five days and include the 50-meter freestyle, 200-meter breaststroke, 100-meter butterfly and 1,500meter freestyle. The final day is dedicated to relays, emphasizing team spirit and camaraderie. Afternoon diving competitions will showcase athletes’ precision and skill.
Artistic swimming will feature technical and free routines in solo, duet and team performances, highlighting grace and synchronization. Water polo matches are scheduled throughout the week, bringing intense and strategic gameplay to the forefront. Open water swimming adds a unique challenge as competitors test their endurance and adaptability in natural water settings.
Beyond the pool, IGLA+ 2025 is known for its vibrant social programming, offering a lineup of events in partnership with DC’s WorldPride celebration. Highlights include:
Wel ome Pi ni : Friday, May 30, from 6 to 10 p m at Meridian Hill Park A asual bringyour-own pi ni provides the perfe t setting to meet and mingle at sunset
WorldPride Con ert: Saturday, May 31, at Nationals Park, featuring global superstar Shakira to mark the opening of WorldPride DC 2025
IGLA+ Night of Drag: Tuesday, June 3, from 7 p m to midnight at the histori Howard Theater Athletes will show ase their talent and ompete for the title of Mx IGLA+ 2025
The Water Polo Ball: Wednesday, June 4, from 8 p m to 3 a m at the 9:30 Club A ballroom-inspired dan e party blending aquati s with vogue ulture
Closing Party: Thursday, June 5, at Zebbie’s Garden A rooftop elebration with musi , dan ing and refle tions on the week’s a hievements.
With nearly four de ades of history, IGLA+ 2025 promises a full week of ompetitive ex ellen e and dynami ommunity engagement— apturing the spirit of in lusivity and elebration at the heart of WorldPride DC
WorldPride 2025: A Global Celebration Lands in Washington, D.C.
by Jamie Sumner
Since its bold debut in Rome in 2000, WorldPride has evolved into the most significant global event celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility, culture, and activism. Awarded by InterPride, WorldPride is hosted by cities around the world that demonstrate a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion—and this year, for the first time, it arrives in the United States capital.
From May 17 to June 8, 2025, Washington, D.C. will welcome more than 1.5 million attendees for a two-week celebration that blends joy, resistance, and civic pride. Hosted by Capital Pride Alliance, this year’s theme—“Democracy in Pride”—couldn’t be more fitting.
“Bringing WorldPride to D.C. is both an honor and a responsibility,” says Ryan Bos, Executive Director of Capital Pride Alliance. “We’re creating a space where the global LGBTQ+ community can celebrate its progress while confronting the work that still lies ahead.”
Pride with a Purpose
Each WorldPride host city has left its mark —Toronto’s cultural fusion, Madrid’s political passion, Copenhagen’s inclusive innovation —but none has brought the symbolic weight of Washington, D.C., with its history of protest, policymaking, and people power.
The schedule of events reflects this legacy of impact
Capital Pride Parade and Festival –expected to be the largest in D.C.’s histor
WorldPride March on Washington –echoing the historic 1993 and 2000 LGBTQ+ marche
Human Rights Conference –convening global leaders on justice, equity, and advocac
Art and Culture Series – exhibitions, performances, and public installation
Community Forums – focused on youth, trans rights, aging, and intersectionalit
Pride Cup & Capital Cup – athletic tournaments celebrating inclusion through sport
“WorldPride is a global family reunion with a political edge,” says Bos. “It’s about visibility, but it’s also about voice—and there’s no better place to raise our collective voice than D.C.”
Marching Toward Tomorrow
In a year marked by both progress and backlash, WorldPride 2025 offers a moment to reflect, recharge, and recommit. It’s a celebration, yes—but also a call to action. Attendees will leave with more than memories—they’ll leave with momentum.
As rainbow flags rise above the monuments and advocacy echoes through the Capitol, one message rings clear: Pride is power, and the world is watching.
IGRA Rides Into the Capital Cup: Pride, Visibility, and 50 Years of Gay Rodeo
by Sophie Barron
As World Pride converges on Washington, DC for the Capital Cup, the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) proudly joins the lineup of sports organizations championing LGBTQ+ inclusion. For IGRA, participation in this global celebration isn’t just about visibility— it’s about honoring history, fostering community, and blazing trails for the next generation of LGBTQ+ athletes.
A Proud Partner in LGBTQ+ Sports
“Our mission has always been to support all sports within the LGBTQ+ community,” IGRA shared. “We’re proud to be a partnering sport event for the Capital Cup. It’s an immense source of pride to take part in something this impactful during World Pride.”
IGRA’s broader mission reflects this commitment: “To promote and produce rodeo and other Western lifestyle events in the LGBTQ+ community and to support community and charitable organizations through our fundraising efforts.”
While rodeo may not yet be a featured event at the Capital Cup, IGRA sees this opportunity as a springboard. “We have a strong local association in DC and hope to build on this opportunity. We’re planting seeds for future inclusion,” a spokesperson explained.
Expanding Awareness and Building Legacy
With a history that spans five decades, IGRA continues to break barriers within a traditionally conservative sport.
“Gay Rodeo has been around for 50 years, and we’re still going strong,” they said. “Our legacy includes giving cowgirls access to traditionally male events and vice versa. That’s progress, and it’s the kind of inclusion we hope to inspire across all sports at World Pride.”
By showing up, IGRA contributes significantly to LGBTQ+ visibility.
“Our presence offers the chance to connect with new people—athletes and supporters alike —and to share our diverse and inclusive community with a wider audience,” they emphasized.
Why DC, Why Now
For IGRA, there’s no better backdrop than Washington, DC. “As the center of our national politics, there’s no better place or time to flex our rights to equality. Participating here sends a powerful message.”
Still, large-scale events like World Pride pose challenges. “Getting attendees committed to such a major event isn’t easy,” they admitted. “But we’ve seen success before—like at the Gay Games in Akron. That momentum inspires us to keep pushing.”
Looking Toward Reno
The Capital Cup also serves as a lead-up to IGRA’s 50th World Gay Rodeo Finals, taking place October 9–12, 2025, in Reno, Nevada. “It’s all about awareness and participation,” they explained. “Capital Cup helps get the word out. This milestone year is a celebration of how far we’ve come—and a reminder of the work still ahead.”
A Warm Welcome for First-Timers
To those considering attending the Capital Cup, IGRA offers enthusiastic encouragement.
“It’ll be our first time too, and everyone we’ve spoken to says it’s an amazing experience. Come with pride. Come with curiosity. You won’t be disappointed.”
Teeing Up Pride: Chris Noble’s Vision for the 2025 World Pride Capital Cup Golf Championship
As World Pride returns to the United States in 2025, Washington, DC, prepares to host a historic celebration of inclusion and community. At the heart of this celebration is the inaugural World Pride Capital Cup Golf Championship, a groundbreaking event spearheaded by Chris Noble—a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in golf.
A Championship Born from Personal Passion
For Chris Noble, the Capital Cup is more than just a tournament; it's a deeply personal mission. "World Pride coming to DC is a once-in-a-generation moment," he explains. "We knew this was our chance to do something special in golf—right here in the nation's capital— that would celebrate inclusion and bring people together.
Noble's journey in golf began at a young age, leading him to collegiate competition and a career in the industry. However, his path was not without challenges. Growing up in a conservative environment, Noble faced the difficulties of being a gay athlete in a sport that often lacked inclusivity. His experiences fueled a commitment to create spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals feel seen and supported.
Creating an Inclusive Golf Experience
The Capital Cup aims to redefine the golfing experience by prioritizing inclusivity and community. "Whether you're a scratch golfer or picking up clubs for the first time, this event is for you," says Noble. "We're building a space where everyone—regardless of background, skill level, or identity—feels seen and supported."
Set to take place at East Potomac Golf Links, a course known for its diverse community of golfers, the event will feature a range of activities designed to welcome participants of all ages and skill levels. From competitive play to clinics and educational sessions, the Capital Cup is structured to be a celebration of both golf and Pride.
Building Partnerships for Lasting Impact
One of the significant achievements of organizing the Capital Cup has been the formation of meaningful partnerships. Organizations like Tourism Ireland and the National Links Trust have stepped up to support the vision. "Real change happens when influential partners recognize the value of creating inclusive spaces," Noble notes. "That kind of support gives the event staying power."
A Blueprint for the Future of Golf
Beyond the immediate goals of the tournament, Noble envisions the Capital Cup as a model for future initiatives. "We hope it becomes a blueprint—something others in the golf world can replicate and build on," he says. "Our goal is to leave behind a lasting example of what inclusive golf can look like when it's done right, with heart and intention."
An Open Invitation
As the 2025 World Pride Capital Cup Golf Championship approaches, Noble extends an invitation to all.
"Come as you are. If you've ever felt like golf wasn't for you, this is your chance to experience it differently. The Capital Cup is about joy, community, and celebrating pride through sport. Join us at East Potomac—let's show what golf can really be."
CHP Offers Personalized Approach to Performance and Recovery
At CHP, the approach to care is anything but traditional. E ery session is one-on-one—no patient juggling, no standardized treatment plans. Instead, clients recei e expert, personalized guidance tailored to their indi idual goals, lifestyle and needs. The result is faster reco ery, lasting strength and impro ed performance.
CHP’s ser ices are designed for a wide range of needs and athletic le els, including
Physical therapy for injury reco ery, pain management and long-term performanc
Performance U, a program designed for high school athletes with collegiate aspiration
Adult personal training focused on building strength, mobility and longe it
Endurance athlete training tailored for runners, triathletes and other endurance sport
Baseball performance training with sport-specific programs for competiti e players
More than just a clinic, CHP positions itself as a community focused on helping indi iduals mo e better, feel stronger and li e without limits. Its client-first model and results-dri en programs continue to set it apart in the world of sports performance and rehabilitation. Find out more at www.cohenhp.com
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THANK YOU Participants
“The Capital Cup extends our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who helped bring this event to life. Your time, energy, and passion make everything possible. We couldn’t do it without you!”