Today was all about the Opening Ceremonies of Gay Games VI, held at Aussie Stadium.  The experience was a symphony of emotions, nationalities, costumes and smiles.  It also included knock-out performances by Aboriginal dancers, a host of drag queens, Asutralian pop stars, Jimmy Summerville, k.d. lang, Aussie politicians right up to the Governor of New South Wales, the state Sydney is located in.

 

For sheer awe, few things can compare to walking into a stadium full of some 30,000 people screaming and waving pom-poms at you as you wave back and smile, marching with your fellow team-mates and representing your country at the Opening Cermeonies of a major quadrennial international sporting competition.  As I marched into Aussie Stadium tonight, as I stared up at the lights and at the thousands of people welcoming me and my fellow athletes, I carried with me thoughts of all those who I love and care about back home. 

 

Here are some pictures that attempt to reflect some of the magic.  They will have to do for now, because the ceremonies did not end until 11:15 p.m. -- and I'm going to bed! 

 

One thing I want to mention is I finally met the Aussie woman who will be my mixed doubles partner.  Her name is Jacqui Kinder, from Melbourne.  After failed attempts on my part to find her by wading through Team Melbourne in the staging area prior to the Opening Ceremonies, she finally located me by doing the same thing, wading through Team San Diego asking for me.  She is a beautiful, charming, athletic-looking Melbourner, and I can't wait to get on the court with her.