"The Road to Cologne": NeVaar

Here's an extract of a profile of a Gay Games VIII athlete. Read the full profile in Living in the Queer Times HERE:

Regardless of these challenges, however, participation in the Games continues to expand my mental and spiritual self-definition just as much as my physical self-definition. I am already finding as I grow older that I am preserving my ability to participate in life, to explore new possibilities, and to continue doing many things (hiking, skiing, etc.), which acquaintances younger than myself have surrendered. Within every bodybuilding competition, I have been inspired by participants who were in their sixties and seventies. I hope someday to be a similar sort of inspiration to those younger than myself. Thanks to the Gay Games, I continue to strive for Tom Waddell’s principles of inclusion, participation, and personal best, in every area of my life. I am very much looking forward to the celebration in Cologne, when I and thousands of other participants and spectators will again affirm these principles and show the world that more is possible than we have perhaps ever previously allowed ourselves to dream. Hold onto your dreams and join me in Cologne, to see how the Gay Games can give you strength and determination to pursue them, with all of the faith, hope, and love you can muster.