Hey everybody! I sure hope everyone has thawed from the winter blast that blanketed us in snow in February. Now with spring right around the corner, it is time to get out and support your local gay athletes! So, put away your parkas, store your ugly Christmas sweaters and check some of these events out!
Roller Derby
The Charlotte Roller Girls A and B sides started off their season Valentine’s Day weekend with bouts down in Charleston, S.C., against the Low Country Highrollers. In the first matchup of the double header, the Charlotte B-Dazzlers took on LCHR’s Bruisin Betties in an extremely close bout. It was neck-in-neck the entire way, but in the end, the Bruisin Betties squeaked out a 2 point win, 122-120. Birthday girl, Do U Juana, earned MVP Jammer for her excellent performance. In the marquee matchup, Charlotte’s All-Stars took on LCHR’s A side. The ladies showed no rust from their winter break and came out strong by taking an early lead and holding on to thru the final whistle, winning 222-176.
Be sure to mark your calendars in March because the Charlotte squads will be kicking off their home season on March 22 as the All-Stars take on Hard Knox Roller Girls from Knoxville, Tenn., at the Grady Cole Center. Check out their website for ticket information!
info: charlotterollergirls.com.
Volleyball
The Carolina Showstoppers have been, no pun intended, unstoppable this season. The LGBT team achieved an overall record of 20-0, and is 10-0 in league games, making them league champions! They will be looking to become tournament champions when they compete the last Thursday of February and first Thursday of March in a double elimination format. Show them support at the Gastonia Armory as they look to go undefeated for the year.
One World Dragon Boat
Finally, we here at qnotes would like to bring to your attention to the “fastest growing water sport in America,” the Dragon Boat. This sport, which originated in China over 2000 years ago, requires 22 individuals on one boat to work as one unit in order to race other teams down a stretch of water. The distances can vary from 500 meters, the most common, to 200, 1000 and 2000 meter races which are also standard distances in international competition. 2000 meter races are normally held on a 500 meter course where teams must do two loops starting and ending at one end and completing three 180-degree turns. Other distances may also be used in local festivals, such as 100 or 250 meters or another distance depending on the size of the lake or river.
Charlotte has formed their very own LGBT Dragon Boat team called One World. This year marks their second season with the goal of providing a healthy, athletic and supportive outlet for LGBT members, their families and friends to train and participate in this centuries old paddle sport. Dee Bauer, One World’s coach, is an extremely decorated Dragon Boat athlete who has paddled for the USA National Team at the World Championships in Milan 2012 and won multiple medals at the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships at Idroscolo. She leads a group of very motivated individuals looking to push themselves and their fellow teammates.
If you would like to get involved with their organization, either physically or financially, go to their wonderfully-done website, OneWorldDragonBoat.org to find all the information you need, including practice times, meeting locations and event schedules. : :