Hosted annually by The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA), Sin City Classic brings together the United State’s finest athletes for a weekend of fun, competition and camaraderie. Sports have the power to unite people around the world; this can be either through playing them, spectating them, or even betting on them. This weekend, our own local WeHo Dodgeball will be in Las Vegas competing. The Pride LA spoke with USA Dodgeball President Jake Mason to get the inside scoop. Check it out:
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Jake Mason and I am the president of USA Dodgeball
In one sentence, what is Sin City Classic?
Sin city Classic is the most amazing gathering of LGBTQ+ athletes in the world!
Can you elaborate more?
This is one of, if not the, biggest LGBTQ+ sports festival and bringing together so many people from our community is just magical.
How is Sin City Classic similar/different than Gay Games?
I think the focus here is more on community and fun, whereas the Gay Games are more about the competition.
How long have you and/or WeHo Dodgeball been involved with Sin City Classic?
This will be our 8th year!
Why did you get involved? What do you like about it?
I was looking to throw a big Vegas dodgeball event and this came along at the perfect time. We get to do our dodgeball thing while also being able to meet and party with athletes from other sports. Without the collective power of all the sports we wouldn’t be able to get to have such amazing after parties as well!
Why is it important to have a safe space for LGBTQ+ Athletes to gather?
Our spaces are so valuable. It’s so important anytime we get to come together and let our guard down. To know that everyone around you is part of your community and really feel safe, it’s rare these days (and hard to come by for so many of our athletes in their day-to-day)
What are you most looking forward to?
Cannot wait to see everyone’s beautiful faces light up at our dodgeball opening ceremony. See some our players perform and just feel the energy and excitement as we start our weekend!
For more information about the Sin City Classic or to register your team, please visit www.sincityclassic.org.
