Sports

I was sitting in my friend’s living room, watching the 10m platform diving final, where only Australian diver Matthew Mitcham’s final plunge stood between China’s clean sweep of the diving medals. The boys I was watching the broadcast with were craned forward intently, since they had been drooling over Mitcham all evening in a game of ‘Where’s Wally’ with points being scored at the sight of Mitcham or the hot Columbian with all the tattoos. (more…)

The 2008 Beijing Olympics encompass the whole of the world – the good and the bad, the rich and the poor, the free and the oppressed. In fact, with all the talk of human rights, Tibet, Darfur, air pollution and censorship, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that this is a sporting contest. So, while the Chinese government has plenty to answer for, let’s take a moment to focus on the athletes. After all, the reason that millions upon millions of viewers tune in for the Olympics is to see individual athletes reach for sport’s highest honours. (more…)

Loton Park Reach Winter Comp Semis

Both the men’s and women’s team from Loton Park Tennis Club have made the Winter League semi-finals. The men’s team won the Division 1 winter comp last year and were in fourth place entering this year’s semi-finals. According to men’s team member Geoff Younger, the competition has been notably stronger in 2008. The men’s team, which consists of Geoff Younger, Troy Hancock, Rod Palmer, Pierre Murat and Shaun Mays (only 4 of the 5 play in any given competition), are hoping to upset some of the teams higher on the ladder for a repeat of last year. (more…)

You’ve set your alarm for the wee morning hours and rain, hail or shine you are going for a run. When 6am rolls around, you emerge from under the doona, get into your running gear and step out the door. Halfway through your run, you notice it, a little niggle in your shins…

If that’s you, even after a proper warm-up, chances are you’re running in the wrong shoes. The good news: the right pair of shoes can minimize or even eliminate many common injuries. (more…)

G&L BADMINTON

Whatever your experience level, G&L Badminton has a match to suit. Equipment is provided, and participation is on a pay-to-play basis, no joining fee. All games are friendly, so come along to Alma Venville Recreation Centre, near the corner of Eighth Avenue and Guildford Road in Maylands, on Wednesdays 7.30pm-9.30pm.

SAPPHIC TRAMPERS

The Sapphic Trampers will hike 11km of the Gooralong Brook Valley in Serpentine National Park on Sunday, July 13. To join the Trampers on their hike meet at the first car park in Serpentine National Park at 9.45am for a 10am start. Moderate fitness is required for the hike and there is a $10 entry fee per car to the national park. For more information contact Sabena (0427 324 766, sabena.lund@fpwa.org.au) or Diana (0412 246 306, ehe@westnet.com.au) (more…)

The Sapphic Trampers started in 2002, when local lesbian woman Leah Knapp decided to create a social option for Perth women beyond the pub and club.

‘I realized I wanted to make some new friends but was completely intimidated by the bar scene,’ says Leah.

Drawing on her love of the bush, Leah advertised for a bushwalking group in Women Out West and word spread through the grapevine. For the next two years Leah planned events for the Trampers, coordinating with women by phone. However, as interest grew and the group expanded, Leah decided to form a volunteer group to ease with organising and planning activities. That group informally meets every November to plan the next calendar year of events for the group. (more…)

LOTON PARK TENNIS CLUB

Loton Park’s Summer Tennis Season is winding to an end, and the Grass courts will be closed from June 7th. However, take heart tennis fans, as social tennis will continue through the winter season with the clubhouse open every Sunday from 1pm for a few friendly matches and bevies.

To close the summer comp, the Club hosted its Annual Dinner and Awards night at the Court Hotel. It was a great night with the Club Champions receiving their trophies and medals. In June the end of season fun continues with the Club’s next main event – Quiz Night. Brush up on your Grand Slam trivia and round up those tables, as Quiz Night fills the Club House with questions on June 14, starting at 7pm. Tables of 6 are available at $10 per member, $15 per non-members. Don’t miss out on this fun night and the chance to win over $2,000 in prizes. For tickets or more details phone Michelle on 0418 942 231 or email enquiries@lotonpark.com.au. (more…)

Winter sport’s kicked off again. You’ve found your boots at the bottom of the cupboard, using your sense of smell alone, and you’re resolved to get fit. However, if your gladiator alter ego is Procrastinataur, you probably plan ‘extra sessions’ every year only to declare Mission Aborted in round 5 of the fixtures, in between ‘The Biggest Loser’ and the next episode of ‘Brothers and Sisters’. So, instead, this year be realistic and instead of extra sessions look to get the most out of your compulsory team trainings. (more…)

SAPPHIC TRAMPERS

On May 10, the Sapphic Trampers will meet at the Pioneer Village, Armadale (corner of Albany Hwy and South Western Hwy) at 8.50am for a 9am start on the Bibbulmun. The walk will start from Sullivan’s Rock and head north through the Monadnocks Conservation Area, crossing the summit of Mt Vincent and Mt Cuthbert before reaching Monadnocks Campsite for lunch. Some sections of the walk will be challenging climbs. The total length of the walk is approximately 14km. Trampers should bring lunch, snacks, water, sturdy footwear, and wet weather gear. Note: no bad weather cancellations and no dogs. Further enquiries, contact Jude: 9328 9952 or 0422 654 244 j.comfort@curtin.edu.au or Leah: 9337 2097 or 0429 699 474 or leahk@westnet.com.au. (more…)

As Outdance celebrates its 7th birthday this April, OUTinPerth looks back at some of the highlights…

It all started in April 2001, when two dancers Tania McGuinness and Darryl Davenport decided to start dance classes for same-sex couples and put an advertisement in the local paper. Eighty people turned up to the first session, and OUTdance was born. (more…)