User:Raphael Hythloday/Long Island Pride Sports Association

Long Island Pride Sports Association, Inc. (LIPSA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing both competitive and recreational athletics for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Straight communities of Nassau and Suffolk Counties. It was formed in 1998; the Board of Directors is made up of volunteers and receives no pay. Both full time and part time volunteers are essential to the day to day operations of the Long Island Pride Sports Association.

LIPSA provides sporting and athletic events twelve months a year. Bowling, Bicycling, Flag Football, Softball, and Tennis are all part of the sports package provided by LIPSA.

History

The Long Island Pride Sports Association is based in Long Island, New York and first started providing sporting and athletic opportunities to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied community in 1998. It was the idea of a community organizer, John Capobianco. John felt Nassau and Suffolk County did not provide meaningful athletic and sporting opportunities for Long Island’s GLBTA community. The Long Island Pride Sports Association (LIPSA) will be 11 years old this year.

Softball

Ryan and Tami work together on the softball program; the mission of the LIPSA Softball program also known as the Lavender League is to provide a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere for the extended gay and lesbian community, including their friends and family. LIPSA encourages all participants to enjoy the social and health benefits of organized sports, as well as for the continuing development of softball skills for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Tennis

Alex runs the Tennis program for LIPSA at Sportstime in Bethpage. Tennis is also available to all ages and skill levels. Matches are held on Saturday afternoons.

Alex believes in daily exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle and promotes tennis as fun way to get in your 30-60 minutes of exercise.

Bowling 

Joe runs the Bowling program in Patchogue known as the “Tuesday Night Tease.” The league has a fall/winter season that begins in September and ends in December for a total of 13 weeks. The winter/spring season begins in January and ends in April also for 13 weeks long. Participants may bowl in either the September or January season. Joe has created the bowling league to provide a safe and fun way to make friends and socialize for the GLBTA community. The Tuesday Night Tease Bowling Awards Dinner and Ceremony was last held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Trios, the Patchogue Holbrook Country Club.

Flag Football

Steve runs the Flag Football program at Cow Meadow Park in Freeport on Saturday afternoons. The 2009 Flag Football is a 5 one 5 game. The season begins September and ends November. There are eight regular season games and one Championship Game. Rules can be found at NFL Flag Football Youth Website.

Steve is devoted football fan and preaches the virtues of good sportsmanship, fundamental football skills, and improvement of mind and body through athletic competitions. He runs the league with help from members of the Long Island Community Fellowship.

Long Island Pride Sports Association President

John Capobianco is the current president of LIPSA and is an active community organizer. He has been a pioneer with his efforts to bring sporting and athletic opportunities to the GLBTA community on Long Island.

Recognizing a need to making sure GLBTA athletes have a safe and fun experience enjoying sports and athletics led John to form Long Island Pride Sports Association. In 1998 John thought there had to be more options for athletes and those wishing to get in touch with their “inner athlete.” Eleven years later LIPSA offers more sports than any other GLBTA organization on Long Island. Flag Football, Softball, Bowling, Bicycling, and Tennis are all provided through LIPSA.

John’s personal message to athletes and fans: “The Long Island Pride Sports Association is about building bridges from the GLBT community to the Straight community. There are gay athletes in professional sports, as well as instructors and coaches. Let us put your talent to good use. Get in the Game!”