Gay Games Success Exceeds Expectations
These were just a few of the qualities exemplified not only by the athletes who participated but also by the volunteers who assisted with the massive undertaking of the Gay Games® VII in Chicago and the suburbs. Evidenced by rainbow flags flown by merchants in Oak Park, passionate words of welcome from Mayor Richard M. Daley, the anonymous delivery of water and snacks to hungry and hot athletes, people from surrounding communities helping lost visitors in their native languages—this historic event met its mission to provide participants a safe, accepting venue in which to compete with others of different abilities, ages, genders, nationalities, and sexual orientations and to strive for their personal best.
The energy in the stadiums for the opening and closing ceremonies cracked even the most jaded of heart with the strength of integrity and the visible assurance of a worldwide community. This was underscored with rainbow colors, music, dance, humor, dignitaries, and, of course, fireworks.
Between these ceremonies were the Games! Some of the Oak Park area’s own not only competed but also won medals. Jeff Weber took home a Silver medal in singles badminton. Donna Karpavicius, Laura Fisher, Ruth Williams, and Lynn Heald competed in team bowling, while Ruth and Lynn, pitted against each other in the individual competition, took home a Silver and Bronze medal, respectively. Brian Fischer, from Westchester, won a Gold medal for bowling in the mixed-team A Division, and Tyson Hurst, from Forest Park, bowling with the High Rollers, received a Silver medal in the mixed-team B Division. Locals Julie Justicz, Bonnie Keyes, and Jennifer Schlife competed in the Olympic-length triathlon, with Schlife taking the Gold medal. Finally, Ellen Somberg won a Gold medal in women’s doubles racquetball and a Silver medal in the singles competition.
Oak Park’s “West Village” was commended for being the most organized and certainly welcoming of the Games’ participating villages by its organizers. It takes a village to accommodate 12,000 athletes for a week of competitive sport. OPALGA, along with the Oak Park Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, was joined by the Village of Oak Park, Oak Park and River Forest High School, the Oak Park Park District, and a host of participating merchants and countless individuals who officially or unofficially offered donations of time, money, water, food, and gifts to make the athletes’ stay in our village memorable. For one glorious week, we were all Gay in Our Village.
Note: If we overlooked your accomplishment(s), let us know by calling The OPALGA Center at (708) 848-0273. We will then recognize you in the September issue of Empower.
