Thanks to all who attended the 2012 Team DC Champions Awards that honored leaders in the LGBT sports Community, including:
The MVP Award recognizes individuals that have made a significant contribution to their sport club or tournament over the past year. This year’s MVP Awards go to:
- Walker Chaffin of the Capital Tennis Association for his ongoing work directing the Capital Classic Tennis Tournament making it the most successful tournament in the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance and raising thousands of dollars for their designated charities.
- Brian Beary and Marcel Acosta of the DC Front Runners for their work on “Fast Forward”, a video that celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the DC Front Runners highlighting the many contributions of this popular club over the years.
The Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals that have worked for many years to support and in some cases, establish their teams and tournaments. This year’s Trailblazers include:
- Elisabeth (Lis) Morgan of the DC Strokes Rowing Club for being a strong leader and advocate for LGBT rowers on the local, national and international level. Since 1994, Lis has filled many roles with the DC Strokes (the oldest and largest LGBT rowing club in the world) including two terms as club president and has helped introduce hundreds of beginners as the head coach of the popular “Learn to Row” program.
- Curtis Yee of the Washington Wetskins Water Polo Team in honor of his helping to found the Wetskins over 30 years ago and for his ongoing participation with the club over the years. The Wetskins are now is the longest continuously operating gay and lesbian water polo team in the United States.
- Craig Howell of Adventuring for his countless contributions leading hikes from the challenging trails of the Shenandoah Valley National Park to relaxing strolls along the Potomac. Craig served as club President for 8 years and currently serves as Woods Coordinator (13 years and counting) to make sure that hikes for all levels are scheduled while mentoring new Trip Leaders along the way.
The Community Support Award recognizes individuals, organizations or businesses that have supported the teams and the entire LGBT sporting community. This years awards go to:
- The DC United Soccer Club for their ongoing support of the United Night OUT (3 years and counting) and ongoing support of teams, including the Federal Triangles Soccer Club. DC United also was the first pro soccer team in the United States to produce a “You Can Play” video to help address homophobia in sports and to encourage the open participation of the LGBT athlete.
- The You Can Play Project and co-found Patrick Burke for their work to address issues of homophobia by encouraging the open participation of the LGBT athlete on the collegiate and professional level.
The 2013 Champions Awards will be held on Thursday, July 18! Look for info about tickets soon.
