Wally Salinger – My island home

Wally Salinger – My island home

The past week has been a really tough gig. Two hours teaching gymnastics every morning, a leisurely lunch, then off to explore the best that the far east of NSW has to offer: Lord Howe Island.

A week ago, I knew nothing of the place, other than there was a school which needed my teaching specialty.

Wherever we travel we manage to find a poof — or two. The cleaning fairy was buzzing around the complex we were booked into, polishing and camping things up with hibiscus set in a sprig of tropical greens.

The coffee queen was the next, with a delightful mince to demonstrate correct movement style between tables in the island’s funky café.

It is easy to see how isolating it can be, however, with a trip to the mainland being the high point of the calendar. The importance of community and the ability of a community to isolate individuals was ever-present. This occurs in our crowded cities just as easily.

Many in our community become self-obsessed and fail to see the bigger picture. It is easy to be fit and fabulous in our own gym, and never speak to a single person while attaining our goal. We can run our waistlines into our 23.7 inch jeans, complete with our earplugs, sunnies and cap to keep the world from interfering in our obsession.

Our sports teams and clubs can infuriate us at times, yet they provide an outward focus and sense of belonging and support. The Wellington Outgames provided the opportunity for Melburnian sportspeople to strut their stuff on a regional level.

It is a great time to review the Outgames results and take time to congratulate friends and teams on their sensational efforts. The results pages are easy to navigate and provide detailed outcomes in all sports.

The beauty of many of the Wellington events was the team spirit and sportsmanship between all contestants. Not just contestants from the same club, but by all participants.

Isn’t it time you got ready to participate in the next big gay sports event? QSAM promotes many activities and groups. Make one your own: Queer Sports Alliance Melbourne:www.queersportsmelbourne.org

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