Fresno, California is proud to be sending its first competing volleyball team to the seventh quadrennial Gay Games Sports and Cultural Festival, hosted by Chicago July 15-22, 2006.

The Fresno Flames are a competitive volleyball team comprised of local gay men who will join an estimated 12,000 participants from more than 70 countries competing in 30 different sports.

The Games were founded in 1968 by Dr. Tom Waddell, a 1968 Olympic decathlete. He founded the games to showcase LGBT sports, “as an experiment in global unity; an experiment in education; a vehicle for change.” According to the official website, www.gaygameschicago.org , today's Gay Games are built on the founding principles of Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best. The purpose is to promote a supportive environment, free from bigotry, where participants achieve success by their own measure. The Gay games are open to anyone. There are no qualifying events, no minimum or maximum requirements, and no mandatory affiliations.

Such is the spirit that embodies the Fresno Flames volleyball team. The seven gay men compromising the Fresno Flames are tight-knit and cohesive. There is a spirit of fun and camaraderie that is inescapable when meeting them. Laughter and positive social support characterize the framework by which team members continue to grow and thrive. Ranging in age from 20 and 48, they have all forged solid, healthy friendships. Each member readily agrees that being a part of the Fresno Flames has been a big, powerful and rewarding experience. The concept of forming as competitive team came from attending Thursday evening Queer Volleyball.

Every Thursday evening from 6-9 pm the LGBT community is invited to join in a recreational and social outing known as Queer Volleyball. Meeting at Quigley Park (Dakota and Fruit), attendance can be as many as 30 people. Queer Volleyball is inclusive and open to all. Men and women from all backgrounds get together to meet, socialize and have fun playing volleyball.

According to team member Steve Anderson, 48, “I got involved mostly for social support. I had just moved to Fresno, and this was a better way than the bars to meet people.” Steve is a professional who runs a substance abuse program. He views Queer Volleyball and the Fresno Flames as, “a great way to connect with people”.

Fresno Flames team member Doug King, 43, enjoys the sportsmanship and the ability to meet other people. “I'm very competitive, so volleyball lets me tone it down and have a lot more fun.” Doug played volleyball in High School, but not competitively. His best move is his outside spike, “I've also got a really good serve.”

Ray Rodriquez is a 31 year old Navy veteran and will graduate from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. In his free time he participates in the Fresno Flames. “Looking back I was a basketball player and a runner. I miss that, I'm looking forward to competing. I like organized events and teams.” Ray also is looking forward to attending the Windy City for the Gay Games. “I like Chicago a lot, I've got a best friend I'll get to visit.”

Brian Rhea, 32, admits he was never an athlete in High School. “I'm looking forward to being able to compete and this is my first trip to Chicago…After a long week at work, Queer Volleyball is a great way to relieve stress. I've made a whole group of friends in the last year through Volleyball.” Teammate Lionel Mendez, 20, a student at Fresno City College, nods in agreement.

Rene Salas, 42, brings experience to the team with prior Volleyball in High School at Clovis Unified (co-ed) Volleyball league. An active member of the Fresno Flames, “I feel like I belong to a family which is the gay community. I'm experiencing friendship.”

The captain of the Fresno Flames is 36 year-old Archie Langansan. “I hope we win the gold, but just going is fun. We will be spending 1 week together in Chicago.”

In addition to competitive games in Chicago, there will be world-class athletes and artists, band and choral performances, nightly medal ceremonies, a week-long arts festival, parties, and spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, according to the official website. The team members of the Fresno Flames encourage anyone traveling to the Gay Games to join them in the opening ceremony parade representing Fresno.

Anyone wishing to assist sponsoring the Fresno flames, or for more info, contact Ray Rodriquez @ (559)-824-7198, Rene Salas @ (559)-284-7276 or team captain Archie Langansan at ogiepogie33@aol.com