Lesbian Athlete Named Runner of the Year by the Chicago Area Runners Association

Pam Blair, a member of Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago (itself a member of International Frontrunners,) was honored by the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) at its 17 January 2009 awards ceremony. Pam competed in most of the 20 races on the CARA circuit. Based on that performance, she was named the #1 woman on the circuit. How difficult is that to do? In this writer's experience, the CARA circuit is more competitive than any event he has ever participated in. And Pam is a new runner.

She says "In February 2007 I grew bored with my indoor cross-trainer, so I began running with one of my canine clients. (Pam is a dog walker by profession.) It was a nice way to break up the day and for the first time ever, I found myself enjoying running (former cyclist, never a runner). It wasn't long before the dog and I were no longer compatible running partners, so I started running on my own. It seemed I could hold a decent pace, and I missed the competition from my bike racing days, so I decided to give racing a try."

How did Pam encounter Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago? She joined to meet new people and find training partners. She had learned about the club through Chicago TriWomen, with whom she was training for the Gay Games in 2006 (biking).

Pam is an exceptional athlete. I know for I used to be able to keep up with her - something that I stopped being able to do after about two months. If Pam could accomplish this feat in 18 months of training, imagine what you could accomplish if you really set your mind to training for the Gay Games in Cologne Germany 18 months from now.

Another Video of LGBA in the Obama Parade

Interestingly, the most widely circulated blog "Unzipped: Gay Armenia" found the best video feed of the Lesbian and Gay Bands of America's participation in the Obama/Biden Inaugural Parade. See Unzipped: Gay Armenia. That blog says:

''The Lesbian and Gay Band Association. They are a national music organization who has concert and marching bands from cities across America, that makes up a network of Lesbian and Gay bands. Their participation marks the first time that an openly-gay and lesbian group has been invited to march in an Inaugural Parade.''

WTTG Fox5 news anchor Brian Boulter announcing on air the appearance of the LGBA in front of President Barack Obama at the viewing stand near the White House. Unfortunately, the parade started late and crowds had almost completely disappeared for the parade after waiting up to half a day in below-freezing temperatures. The LGBA appearance came 2/3 of the way into the program, and Barack and Michelle Obama can be seen waving warmly to the GLBT participants. The band reportedly had 177 people representing 17 states, and played John Philip Sousa's "The Washington Post March."

This video is also on the LGBA website.

*source: Metro Weekly / Last Word

LGBA March at Obama Inauguration Parade

We have all been following along to see if there was any coverage of the LGBA marching in the Inaugural Parade. Seems C-Span got it right once again. There is footage of them marching in front of President Barack Obama and the first lady Michelle Obama. Michelle seemed to be have a grand ole time celebrating the parade. I looked for Federation members but if I saw them I would not know.

Technology Officer - FGG

THANK YOU

20-January-2009

Dear Friends of Gay Games,

This message is a simple thank you for your on-going support and efforts to promote the Gay Games. Thanks to your continued presence, the dream lives on and the worldwide LGBT sport and culture community continues to grow.

Under our guiding principles and vision of "Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best", the service and sacrifice made by you and by many before us has enabled the Gay Games to touch thousands of people around the world for over 25 years.

With this vision in the forefront of our collective decisions and actions, I look forward to working with you all.

Thank you for your continued support and presence.

YES, WE CAN !!!

Onwards and Upwards,
Emy