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New online sports network devoted to LGBT athletic tournaments

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CCE Sports Network, gay news, Washington Blade
CCE Sports Network, gay news, Washington Blade

(Photo courtesy of the CCE Sports Network)

The recognition of LGBT sports in the United States has reached new levels in the past few years with help from the support of advocacy groups, politicians and straight allies.

The emergence in 2012 of the CCE Sports Network is the latest stamp of validation for the growing LGBT sports movement. The CCE Sports Network is the nation’s only live web streaming sports network dedicated to the LGBT sports community.

The United States is home to more than 200 LGBT sports tournaments and the Network is presenting a portion of those events to athletes, family members, friends, fans and supporters all over the world.

The Network, which launched in May 2012, is the brainchild of Thomas Garnet and Adrian Uribazo who bring 17 years of video experience to their company.

“We had been searching for something new and different,” says Garnet. “We had been considering Pride Festivals, but that was already being covered.”

During the Miami Pride Festival, the pair stumbled across the tennis booth, which was promoting a tournament in Key Biscayne. The Sunshine Tennis Cup would become their first tournament coverage.

As of September 2013, the Network has filmed 12 live broadcasts in cities such as Miami, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, New York City, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Washington. The sports covered so far have been tennis, soccer, swimming, water polo, diving and synchronized swimming. They recently covered the Capital Classic XXI tennis tournament in D.C.

“Our goal for 2014 is 20 tournaments,” says Garnet. “We are also planning on adding volleyball, flag football, basketball, rugby and softball to the sports line up.”

The network’s production workflow is set up for a multi-camera live web streaming, complete with play-by-play commentary, score updates, social media updates, live chats, commercials and music. Upgrades can be made to the broadcast to make it look and feel more like traditional sports television.

“Guest commentators have been a big hit for us,” says Garnet. “We invite player-athletes into the booth to give their own perspective and insight into the players and matches. It ends up being informative and funny.”

My first interaction with the CCE Sports Network was at the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Championships (IGLA) in Seattle last month. I walked into the natatorium, saw their equipment and was immediately intrigued. I finished my swimming races for the day and Kris Pritchard of the Washington Wetskins told me their next water polo match was that afternoon.

After returning to my hotel room, I logged onto the CCE website and there was the water polo match; live and with commentary. I was overwhelmed that this network has set up a platform to profile and recognize the skill, talent and athleticism of the LGBT athlete.

The stories that that emerged as a result of the CCE Sports Network coverage of IGLA were incredibly touching.

A water polo athlete went up to the commentator booth and asked to give a shout out to his brother, who was serving in the Paktika Province in Afghanistan and was watching his little brother play water polo on his iPad.

A sister got to watch her brother compete in swimming for the first time since high school and a father almost missed his flight at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport; he wanted to watch his little girl compete.

Similar stories were heard after the CCE coverage of the Capital Classic tennis tournament, here in D.C. From their Twitter feed:

@CCESportNetwork I’m thrilled w/ your coverage! I hadn’t been able to see my brother compete since HS! I still can’t get over how fun it was to watch my brother play again! I missed getting to cheer for him!

With the CCE Sports Network still ramping up their operations, there will be many more feel-good moments to come for athletes and their friends and families.

“By 2015, we hope to have weekly live tournament broadcasts along with our own monthly sports show,” says Garnet.

For now, CCE is working on gaining new sponsorships, building their video archives and acquiring connections in the European market. The visibility they’re providing in showcasing the athleticism of the LGBT sports athlete will certainly help to further the cause of the LGBT sports movement to rid the playing field of homophobia.

You can see the Capital Tennis Association players, the Washington Wetskins water polo players and the District of Columbia Aquatics Club swimmers in action in their video archives at ccesportsnetwork.com.

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Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

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(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC. 

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment. 

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

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Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation.  Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, January 22

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.  

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Sports

Capitals to host 10th annual Pride night

Pre-game block party planned at District E

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(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.

Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.

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