South Florida's Gay Springtime Fun

Well, it’s finally here again - springtime in South Florida! For those Northerners, Midwesterners and our friends in Canada still suffering the bitter cold, wind, snow and grey skies, come down to sunny South Florida, where 75° in a relaxed and gay-friendly environment is the true meaning of bliss. For those of you, who have already made your way down, welcome home! We’re glad you’re back!

Springtime in Greater Fort Lauderdale means many things to the avid gay sports fan, too. The new season of the gay softball league is underway and gay softball players, both men and women, anxiously wait for Sundays and Thursday evenings to come around when they can outrun, out hit, and outscore each other in friendly competition. It also signifies the seasonal challenge of winning an invitation to the NAGAA Softball World Series slated for August 22 – 30, 2008 in Seattle, Washington. Good luck ladies and gentlemen!

Now that the temperatures in the ocean surf and pool waters are more tolerable for complete body immersion, the beaches and swimming pools are seeing more action than in past months. Spring Breakers have already disappeared from Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and for the gay sun worshipers; there are many choices for sun and sand. Whether you set out for Sebastian Beach, lounge poolside at a nearby gay guesthouse, or simply lie in your backyard’s kiddie pool, you won’t need eyeglasses to see that skin tones are becoming darker and darker and suntan lotion sales are skyrocketing as gay sun worshipers come out of hibernation.

Segue to the Florida Diving Team’s & USA Diving’s upcoming event here at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex. From May 8 – 11, 2008, some of the world’s favorite Olympic divers will be here to dive in the AT & T FINA USA Diving Grand Prix. Visit www.ftldivingteam.com for details.

For you tennis buffs, I wish to remind you about the South Florida Tennis Club’s first annual Spring Fling Round Robin Doubles Tennis Tournament. The tournament will be held on May 3 - 4, 2008 at the Jimmy Everett Tennis Center in Holiday Park. The South Florida Tennis Club is a non-profit organization that donates thousands of dollars annually to local charities. By coordinating events such as the Spring Fling, the group is able to raise monies while bringing together gay and lesbian tennis enthusiasts in a positive environment. Bear in mind that this is a charity event and no prize money will be awarded to the winners. For tournament details, visit them online at www.sftc.us.

When speaking about springtime sports, one cannot overlook this country’s favorite pastime - baseball. The coming of spring symbolizes the tradition of Opening Day in Major League Baseball. Baseball fans (gay or straight) can now take pleasure in cheering for their favorite teams, hearing the crack of the bat, savoring an ice cold beer and hot dog, or just relaxing with friends in the stands on a cool spring day. Speaking of baseball, how ‘bout ‘dem Marlins – they currently sit atop their division in first place - way to go team! Yep, baseball is in full swing – batter up!

If thoughts of strikes, spares and gutter balls keep you stirring at night, then the scores of gay bowling leagues in town looking for fun-seeking men and women bowlers will surely offer some relief. Whether your average score is 200 or 100, gay bowling action can be found on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday evenings at the Wilton Manor Lanes. For more information and registration details, visit www.thecubbyhole.com/page5.html.

As you will note, in the spring, there are plenty of choices for gay athletes and a number of sporting events for its fans. Let’s celebrate the fact that gay sports is alive and well in South Florida - so get out there, play hard and have fun!

Jennifer Morales is a freelance writer and the director of marketing for Sidelines Sports Bar in Wilton Manors, FL. She can be reached at jennifer@sidelinessports.com.