As a lead-up to our Outsports Local Groups Challenge, we'll be profiling the five first-round matchups on the blog. Voting starts Thursday.
One of our first-round matchups in the Outsports Local Groups Challenge is a Midwest affair pitting two groups still in the early stages of their development. The Minneapolis Mayhem RFC and Qrew Chicago were both formed in 2005. The Qrew was formed to participate in the 2006 Gay Games in their own city; the Mayhem were recently awarded the right to host the 2010 Bingham Cup. More information on both clubs after the jump.
As a lead-up to our Outsports Local Groups Challenge, we'll be profiling the five first-round matchups on the blog. Voting starts Thursday.
One of our first-round matchups in the Outsports Local Groups Challenge is a Midwest affair pitting two groups still in the early stages of their development. The Minneapolis Mayhem RFC and Qrew Chicago were both formed in 2005. The Qrew was formed to participate in the 2006 Gay Games in their own city; the Mayhem were recently awarded the right to host the 2010 Bingham Cup. More information on both clubs after the jump.
Minneapolis Mayhem Rugby Football Club
Web site: www.mayhemrfc.com
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sport: Rugby
Founded: 2005
Mayhem RFC is one of the nation’s few male teams that makes rugby accessible to the GLBT community. In our short existence, we’ve grown from a group of guys who knew nothing about rugby to a club that is competitive with teams we’ve faced from across the country and around the world. We’ve been selected as hosts for the Bingham Cup 2010, the Gay Rugby World Championships and have been named Minneapolis’ 2008 GLBT Sports Team of Year. But it doesn’t end with rugby. We’re active in the gay, athletic and local communities. We’re brothers – on and off the field. The best part about playing rugby is that we get to play together. And nothing can compare to the feeling of brotherhood.
Qrew Chicago
Web Site: www.qrewchicago.org
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Sport:Rowing
Founded: 2005
In just 3 short years, membership has grown by 350%! Founded as a team to participate In the 2006 Gay Games, Qrew has enjoyed growing recognition & success as the only independent GLBT rowing organization in the Midwest, and one of only 3 in the world. In the past year, accomplishments include: creation of 13 member Board of Directors, record-high sponsorship, creation of “Learn To Row” program and novice (newcomer) team and professional coaching. Goals for ’09 include an increase in female membership and volunteering opportunities, international competition at the OutGames, and continuing to create community & team work within the LGBTQ population in Chicago.
