PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Philadelphia will host the largest Stonewall Sports National Tournament ever in mid-July. The tournament aims to empower the LGBTQ community through sport.
“There’s something special here in Philadelphia,” said Eric Cottrell, operations director of the 2023 Stonewall Sports National Tournament, “that I think our community comes together in a way that might not always be found in other cities.”
Philadelphia will be able to show just how special it is when it hosts the Stonewall Sports National Tournament in 2023.
“This is a great opportunity to show what Stonewall Philly means to other chapters across the country,” said Cottrell.
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Based in the LGBTQ community, the non-profit organization has 26 chapters across the country. Sports include dodgeball, bowling, billiards and kickball.
Locally, kickball seasons are played on Sunday afternoons at Marconi Plaza in South Philly.
Philadelphia also has one of the largest chapters. Matt Forrest is the commissioner.
“Philadelphia has a charm,” Forrest said. “I think most people who live here would say we’re a little underrated, but the Stonewall folks know about us. It’s a way to show off our community and the city as a whole.”
There are now many sports leagues here in Philly that you can join, from kickball to baseball to soccer. However, they say the league is about more than just sport.
“Stonewall is about taking over one of the largest cities in the country,” Forrest said, “and making it feel like you have a very special place to yourself.”
“It’s just finding your place in a big city,” Cottrell said. “It makes you feel like you have a place, that you have a family, that you have support.”
Registration for the tournament is full.
Events will be held in several locations over the weekend of July 14th.
“I’m excited to showcase what Philadelphia has to offer in terms of arts, culture and gastronomy,” said Forrest.
Howard Monroe
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