By David Smith
Coming off my 100x100s Swim-A-Thon I did on January 1st to raise money for the victims of the shooting at Pulse Orlando, I was very much looking forward to getting out of Colorado for a bit for an adventure.
If you don’t know, the Sin City Shootout is a big LGBT-Multi-Sport event, the largest annual event of it’s kind that annually attracts thousands of LGBT+ athletes from all over the country (and continent) to participate in dozens of sports. Originally started as a softball tournament, over the past 10 years it was grown exponentially with new sports added every year.
If you don’t know, the Sin City Shootout is a big LGBT-Multi-Sport event, the largest annual event of it’s kind that annually attracts thousands of LGBT+ athletes from all over the country (and continent) to participate in dozens of sports. Originally started as a softball tournament, over the past 10 years it was grown exponentially with new sports added every year.
This trip was actually the end of another trip I took to Chicago earlier in the week, both of which had similar goals. To relax and give myself a little vacation as well as get some solid training in within a new environment and groups of people. During the Chicago portion I joined the Chicago Smelts, an LGBT+ Swim Team for a few practices, in addition I attended several classes and gyms in the Chicago “Boystown” gay neighborhood along N. Halstead St. At the swim practices as well as the gyms/classes I found myself surrounded by motivated people who were eager to train hard and accomplish their best at the exercise and training we were doing. I quite enjoyed the experience and new environment; I learned some new exercises and variations of sets that I can apply for my own coaching. In addition with swimming I was able to get some quality practice in and technique work from a new perspective that’ll help me improve in the weeks and months to come.
While in Chicago I also took to the basics, going for runs! My favorite way to explore a new city is by running and Chicago didn’t disappoint. Despite the cold and cloudy weather, I did runs along Lake Shore Trail and through the city into Lincoln Park, which offered great views and excellent people watching.
While in Chicago I also took to the basics, going for runs! My favorite way to explore a new city is by running and Chicago didn’t disappoint. Despite the cold and cloudy weather, I did runs along Lake Shore Trail and through the city into Lincoln Park, which offered great views and excellent people watching.
Getting on the plane toward Vegas, I could already tell something was different. I had a new found energy and sense of curiousity. Of course having just finished reading Cyd Ziegler’s book and currently reading a book about Sports Psychology definitely gave me a lot to think about. I arrived in Vegas with a greater sense of purpose. I had a few goals for the trip to Vegas while I was at the Sin City Shootout.
The first was to attend the Compete Magazine Sport’s Diversity Leadership Conference to take part in the discussion about how we can train and grow a new generation of sports leaders, coaches and professionals to be more adapting in coaching LGBT+ athletes and teams.
The first was to attend the Compete Magazine Sport’s Diversity Leadership Conference to take part in the discussion about how we can train and grow a new generation of sports leaders, coaches and professionals to be more adapting in coaching LGBT+ athletes and teams.
Compete Magazine Sports Diversity Leadership Conference The second was to connect with LGBT+ sports professionals from many different organizations, include Compete Magazine, Outsports, Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association and Federation of Gay Games to learn more about the evolving face of the LGBT+ sports community and how we can adapt. In addition how can I adapt my business, Stonewall Fitness to better work with LGBT+ athletes and encourage more people in the community to be active and fit.
Thirdly was to continue what I did in Chicago and check out some new classes while getting some solid training in. The first step was to visit the Las Vegas Masters Swim Team for a practice, which would’ve happened had I didn’t get the location of the pool wrong! However I still got a swim practice in and was able to connect with the team at the swim meet. I also sought out a local gym near the hotel, which was an MMA/Boxing gym and happened to have a kickboxing class followed by a strength and conditioning class on Friday evening. While a lot of my friends were gearing up to party, I decided to get some kickboxing in first. I learned that Vegas’ sidewalks are almost non-existent as I originally planned to run to the gym, I got lost in the middle of the New York, New York hotel parking garage before I surrendered and called for an Uber. However after the class I found a route that I could run back up the strip. Dodging tourists on the strip is an excellent way to add some agility training to an otherwise boring run!
Thirdly was to continue what I did in Chicago and check out some new classes while getting some solid training in. The first step was to visit the Las Vegas Masters Swim Team for a practice, which would’ve happened had I didn’t get the location of the pool wrong! However I still got a swim practice in and was able to connect with the team at the swim meet. I also sought out a local gym near the hotel, which was an MMA/Boxing gym and happened to have a kickboxing class followed by a strength and conditioning class on Friday evening. While a lot of my friends were gearing up to party, I decided to get some kickboxing in first. I learned that Vegas’ sidewalks are almost non-existent as I originally planned to run to the gym, I got lost in the middle of the New York, New York hotel parking garage before I surrendered and called for an Uber. However after the class I found a route that I could run back up the strip. Dodging tourists on the strip is an excellent way to add some agility training to an otherwise boring run!
Synchronized Swimming from World Champion Bill May and the Water Beauties! Finally, my goal was to swim a good competition. To try some events I normally don’t compete in and help me establish a baseline for this season. Following the swim meet I also participated in a synchronized swimming clinic to learn some of the moves and techniques in synchronized swimming. It’s not every day you get to learn about a sport from the reigning world champion but Bill May made sure us beginners had all the moves we needed to succeed.
Overall I finished the trip feeling good, that I accomplished all that I had gone there to do. I love the energy and environment of the Sin City Shootout. It’s more laid back and people are there to have fun and do their best in their sport. I enjoyed seeing all the different brands of gear bags the athletes had, each representing their particular sport. The discussions I had with athletes during and after the conference were very insightful that I learned a lot about what athletes want to accomplish at LGBT+ sporting events and how they can continue to shape and evolve the broader worldwide LGBT+ community.
Overall I finished the trip feeling good, that I accomplished all that I had gone there to do. I love the energy and environment of the Sin City Shootout. It’s more laid back and people are there to have fun and do their best in their sport. I enjoyed seeing all the different brands of gear bags the athletes had, each representing their particular sport. The discussions I had with athletes during and after the conference were very insightful that I learned a lot about what athletes want to accomplish at LGBT+ sporting events and how they can continue to shape and evolve the broader worldwide LGBT+ community.
One of my biggest questions I am still exploring and probably will never fully answer. What is the relevance of LGBT+ sporting events in a world where our fight toward equality has come so far? I continue to seek out that answer and watch as our world evolves, knowing that wherever it goes. I will certainly be a part of it.
David Smith is an exercise professional, athlete, blogger and owner of Stonewall Fitness. He is a certified personal trainer and holds a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition. He is an active athlete and Gay Games medalist training and competing in triathlon and swimming. He is passionate about bringing the LGBT community together through exercise and fitness. Help support David with his athletic endeavors! Visit www.gofundme.com/bttrflyr and Read more here...
