Row in the 2013 World Out Games

This year the DC Strokes, a rowing team, will be traveling to participate in the Out Games, which will be held in Antwerp Belgium July 31 to August 11, 2013. What are the Out Games? It's an international competition of LGBT atheletes, an event to show support for LGBT people around the world, and a way to show that we're all united by a love of sports. Participating in the Out Games provides opportunities for LGBT around the world by reaching out to them and giving them a venue to showcase their abilities. DC Strokes is excited to have an opportunity to participate, but it won't happen without help from supporters of the LGBT community.

DC Strokes depend on donations from our loved ones, friends and our online community of supporters to participate in events such as these. These donations,  as well as donations from franchises and private businesses help us participate in worthy causes such as the Out Games. Donations help defray so many of our costs; equipment, purchasing newer boats, setting up our community events, and space rental in the boathouse. Any revenue generated from our community events- such as our Learn to Row program- directly goes to defray our costs as well. This kind of generosity and support keeps our community strong. Unfortunately, many of those who are generously donating to our organization are also donating to a plethora of other LGBT teams ranging from swimming to ballroom dancing. Because of this, those in DC Strokes that wish to participate in the Out Games must cover all of the expenses of participation.

This is where you, dear reader, come in. Simply put, I don't have enough of my own money to cover all the costs associated with participating in the Out Games. Each rower must cover the cost of travel expenses and fund themselves. Without you, and your donations, participating in the Out Games won't happen. As a recent college graduate, serving as the youngest rower on DC Strokes I don't have the extra funds needed to participate in events of this size. After paying for my half of rent for my apartment and sending money back home to help my family, there isn't enough left over to fund participation in the Out Games. But I want to help represent DC Strokes and the United States at the Out Games, and do my part to support LGBT here and around the world. I'm asking you to help me show others what having a supportive community is like, and prove to others that LGBT are a part of society that should be embrace as part of a global family as well.

Please donate! I don't have much to offer, but know that you'll have my sincere appreciation for all of your financial assistance and words of encouragement. If I make it to the games, I plan on keeping up an online presence so that you can know what's going on. I'll post pictures and videos, so you too can be a part of this wonderful experience.

Donations will cover cost of registration, travel, food, and housing.

Sincerely,
Kyle
Hopeful Out Games Rower
Proud Member of the LGBT Community