THE SCORE: Jack be Nimble Jack be Quick

 
Jack Mackenroth, decorated swimmer. No, this doesn’t refer to a sequin-speckled Speedo. The shiny metal discs are medals—and lots of them. Mackenroth has competed as a swimmer in every Gay Games for the past 20 years and he’s accumulated more than 25 medals from the quadrennial competition.
 
In a few weeks, Mackenroth, 41, will be heading to Cologne, Germany for Gay Games VIII. He’s got quite a challenge ahead of him as this year’s competition is stiffer and his opponents are younger. However, he’s going into this with his head above water, knowing that he will strive to do his personal best. “The Gay Games are so important for that reason because all athletes of all levels from all around the world support each other in a way that I have never experienced at any other sporting event,” he told us recently.
 
Gay Games VIII is expected to have 10,000 athletes participating, with a million spectators. There are 35 sports and five cultural events being offered. This is the first time the Gay Games will be held in Germany, and it also marks the event’s first return to Europe since Amsterdam’s Gay Games V in 1998. The openly gay German Vice Chancellor, Guido Westerwelle, is the official patron and will host the Opening Ceremony on July 31, as Taylor Dayne performs “Facing a Miracle,” the official Gay Games VIII anthem.
 
For it, Mackenroth has kicked up the intensity in his training. Recently, at the U.S. Nationals, he came pretty close to some of his best times. He’s hoping to bring home some more hardware but he feels it’s really more about the experience. “My fondest memories of the Gay Games are from my first, in Vancouver, in 1990. I had just come out to my mom and I remember having to tell my aunt and uncle who lived in Vancouver that I would like to stay with them because I was coming there to participate in the Gay Games.”
 
For many athletes, the Gay Games showcases a very personal connection between their sexual orientation and their ability to succeed at something they love. For Mackenroth, this couldn’t be truer. “I will never forget the moment of walking into the stadium during the parade of athletes in the opening ceremony. I had never been around so many people like myself and after years of torment, to have a stadium full of spectators cheering for me was indescribable. I was literally moved to tears.
 
After competing, Mackenroth plans to watch some of the other sports. “You haven’t lived until you’ve seen same-sex synchronized swimming. Amazing.”    N
 
Gay Games VIII will be held from July 31–August 7 in Cologne, Germany. Visit Games-Cologne.de for more info.
 
SPORTS QUICKIES
 
Need-a-Lay-Up: The Natural Burn Killahz topped Gym Sportsbarbar 37–36 (in overtime) in what was one of the most exciting games in the history of the NYC Gay Basketball League. “Three Point” Timo (game high 17 points) stole the ball with 1.9 seconds left and was fouled driving to the basket with no time left. In overtime Evan Ignall continued his huge defensive play-blocking shots, as Ed “Oh My God” Mangosing hit two huge three-pointers, leading his team to victory. More at NYCGayBasketball.org.
 
Gay Vollies: The Gotham Volleyball’s fourth week of summer league play gave us a major upset in Division A, with upstart sixth place Team 2 captained by Shawn Moore winning against the first place Team Empanada X, captained by Manny Ciccone, as Team 2 took two of three sets, 21–19, 22–19, 18–22. In Division B, the first and second place teams continue to pummel the competition. Team Juicy Fruits captained by Michael Chia crushed the last place team, Meet the Fockers, captained by James Costantino, in all three sets, 25–16, 25–11, 25-9. Not to be outdone, second place Team 4*ro*cious*, captained by E.J. Weppler, defeated the seventh place Power Rangers, captained by Dan Miron, taking two out of three sets, 23–12, 22–12, 17–22. More at GothamVolleyball.org.
 
Balls Flying By My Face: The Mariah Scareys continue their tradition of always being the bridesmaid and never the bride. They may have taken second in the Spring Dodgeball Tournament for NYCSSC, but in the summer league they continue to sweep up the competition amongst the mostly straight teams. The only gay team amongst the bunch, the Mariah Scareys are quietly making a name for themselves by kicking some serious dodgeball ass. Meanwhile, BAD! is hosting some fun kickball tournaments this summer at Passanante Playground (Sixth Avenue @ Houston St), Sunday, July 18 from 3pm–6pm and Sunday, August 15 from 3pm–6pm. $5/player. More at BigAppleDodgeball.org.     N
 
Vist OOBNYC.org for a complete listing of all gay sports and recreation organizations.