SportsFest to kick off Pride season in Denver

Summer is upon us, and if you’re reading this you probably have friends who have lately been sharing an all-too-familiar concern: beefing up or trimming down for Pride.

Luckily this year there’s something to do that’s a little more fun than last-minute dieting or tanning – and better for you too. The GLBT Community Center of Colorado and Team Colorado are hosting SportsFest in Denver’s Congress Park the weekend before PrideFest.

This is Denver’s second annual SportsFest, to highlight LGBT sport leagues and to promote Denver winning its bid to host the 2015 North America Out Games. It’s a chance for you to get an extra week out of Pride season by starting the party a weekend early, and also a chance to break a healthy sweat.

Athletic and outdoor activities are open to all, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June12 – before the main Pride celebration on June 18 and 19.

LGBT sports leagues including the Colorado Gay Volleyball Association, the Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League, Denver Wildfire Rugby, OUT Spokin’ and others will be hosting events and tournaments. Many will be open for anyone to walk in and join.

For those who just can’t get excited about sports, other LGBT political and social organizations are expected to set up attractions or outreach activities. On Sunday afternoon, the Sunday Afternoon Car Klub will put on an auto show.

SportsFest producer R. Tony Smith said, “(Everyone is) encouraged to bring picnic spreads and activities to share: badminton, croquet, ladder ball, horseshoes, twister – everything goes.”

Planned activities will include a volleyball tournament, swimming events sponsored by SQUID, a flag football competition and a fun run. Additionally, after-parties will take place each day to present prizes for the day’s competitions and to extend the festivities.

Congress Park, located in Central Denver, is five blocks east of Cheesman Park, on 9th Avenue and Josephine Street, and contains an outdoor swimming pool, baseball diamond and soccer fields.

Locations for the after-parties are yet to-be-announced. Visit www.TeamColoradoUSA.org for updated information.