2009 World Outgames – Day 7 & 8
The last day and the sun is out! Some rowers have already left, are leaving today, or will leave this weekend. Everyone is catching up on last minute sightseeing and for those who can afford the prices, some shopping. The Danish design stores, be it the department stores, the lighting stores, or the furniture stores are a marvel. They really know how to create such great, visually appealing furnishings. Even the kitchenware looks totally hip.
The all-night revelers are slowly stirring after the SML party that started Thursday night at 23:00h and stretched on until 06:00h. Some rowers have returned to the Danske Studenters Roklub to help unload and stow the inrigger boats from the Head of the Harbor race.
Friday evening brings everyone together athletes of all interest for stories, Facebook and phone number sharing, flirting, and final farewells at the Oscar Café. The small bar is overwhelmed so most of the Outgames athletes stand outside, under a small tent or just in the street. Taxis and bikes fight to get through the crowds as everyone relaxes and drinks beer in open containers [Oh my, such immoral and shocking conduct on a city street!].
At the airport [CPH], gays and lesbians populate the security line with knowing looks of yes, we’re family and no, those kids are not ours. Boys are reportedly enjoying their last flings in the secret corners of certain airline lounges while their boyfriends, oblivious to the hidden passion, relax and sip juice.
As the rowers head home, medals packed, it’s a good time to reflect on what brought this regatta together: a dedicated regatta organizing committee, lots of volunteers, the support of the Danish National Rowing Federation, and easygoing, good humored referees. The one concern is the lack of GLRF members in the regatta. Of the 157 registered Outgames rowing participants, only 64 are members of GLRF. As much as GLRF worked feverishly to promote the 2009 World Outgames Regatta, many rowers still do not see the value in membership. GLRF members from Canada, the Czech Republic, and Norway top the list with 100% GLRF member participation. Unfortunately, the numbers decrease from there: United States – 65%, Denmark – 54%, Brazil – 50%, France – 50%, Ireland – 33%, Deutschland – 23%, Australia – 21%, United Kingdom – 11%, and Switzerland – 0%. What holds these rowers back from GLRF registration? Is it the lack of perceived value? Is it the cost of registration (free!)? Is it a general lack of interest in creating a worldwide community where all rowers can keep updated on gay and lesbian rowing activity? Certainly questions to consider given the amount of time and effort involved by GLRF to promote rowing.
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