June 23-29, 2005

mixpicks

Good Sports

Fundraiser

Going the extra mile to win is part of the Philadelphia Falcons' playbook. The city's LGBT soccer team, which aims to foster the kind of encouraging, anti-macho sports setting you just don't find in most locker rooms, has sent squads to the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) tournament since the early 1990s, and raised the bar by fielding both a male and a female team for last year's competition in San Francisco. According to player and fundraising head Elisabeth Flynn, it was a success: "The women won bronze," while the men (pictured) "teamed up with a group from D.C. and played extremely well."

So this year they want to go further. The next IGLFA tournament will be held this August in Copenhagen, Denmark. For two teams, that adds up to a lot of airfare. So to help raise funds, the Falcons hook up with the ornithologically named Raven resort to host a summer pool party, replete with cocktails and a bachelor auction, where you can bid for your (temporarily) very own sports star. Along with the public's help, the players have already pledged their own savings to get themselves to Denmark. What other Philly sports team shows that kind of commitment? Let's give 'em the kickoff they deserve.

"Summer Splash," Sun., June 25, 1-5 p.m., $10, The Raven, 385 West Bridge Road, New Hope, call 267-221-6749 or visit www.falcons-soccer.org for more information.

—Juliet Fletcher