Coming out of our Sports Council meeting, I’m feeling energized about where Team DC is headed. We’re growing—welcoming new voices to our Board—and we’re building real momentum for what’s next, including a few exciting fundraising opportunities on the horizon.
We’re also still riding the high from Sin City Classic, where Team DC athletes came home with hardware (and plenty of bragging rights). And mark your calendars now: two of our Board members will be performing in drag on March 28—it’s going to be a fun, can’t-miss night for the community.
As we look ahead, we’re already gearing up for our Night of Champions gala—one of our favorite moments of the year to celebrate our athletes, leaders, scholars, and the community we build together. Thanks for being part of it.
With gratitude,
Miguel A. Ayala
President, Team DC
Following our most recent Sports Council meeting, we have re-elected and expanded our Board. Let’s congratulate and welcome these new team members -
Grace Thompson, re-elected Vice President
Aaron Fischbach, re-elected Secretary
Kevin Barnett, re-elected Fundraising Chair
And our new Board members
Cody Impton, Outreach Chair
From Cody: I grew up in Central Florida and later made my way north to Charlotte before settling in the DMV in 2019. I’ve played kickball, dodgeball, and volleyball, and I’m actively involved in DC Gaymers and other community gaming events. I’m excited to join Team DC Sports and stay connected through being active, gaming with friends, and occasionally going down a good YouTube rabbit hole.
Michael Zgoda, Night OUT Chair
Michael is the Director of Night OUT Events for Team DC, leading one of the organization’s most visible programs celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion through professional sports. Previously, Michael served as Commissioner for both the DC Gay Flag Football League (DCGFFL) and the DC Pride Volleyball League (DCPVL) and has been an integral part of the DC sports community. He has been actively involved across Team DC member organizations including FTSC, Rogue Pickleball, Stonewall Kickball, and DC Strokes. As Director of Night OUT Events, Michael is focused on strengthening partnerships, expanding outreach, and enhancing the fan experience while advancing Team DC’s mission and supporting its scholarship and community programs.
🌟 Save the Date: April 18 🌟
Mark your calendars! The 2026 Night of Champions Gala will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at a new venue - the Georgetown Marriott on 22nd St. NW. Our annual gala gives us an evening of celebrating community leaders and the next generation of LGBTQ+ student-athletes. Join us for an inspiring evening of cocktails, dinner, and awards — all in support of Team DC’s Scholarship Program.
Don’t miss this elegant night of celebration, community, and pride — it’s the highlight of Team DC’s year!
Call for Student-Athlete Scholarship Applications
Scholarship applications are being accepted. If you know any teachers, coaches, or others who work with high schools in the DC area, make sure they know about our scholarship program and have them encourage students to apply - [Learn more here]
👕 Show Your Team DC Pride — On and Off the Field 🏳️🌈
Supporting Team DC has never looked so good. Our Team DC shop has a few items designed to help you show up, stand out, and represent—whether you’re heading to team practice, warming up before a game, cheering from the sidelines, or just repping your league around town. And you can get your Nats Night Out Jersey if you missed the game this year (or somebody already “borrowed” it).
These items are more than merch—they’re a statement of pride, visibility, and commitment to LGBTQ+ sports in DC. Every purchase directly supports Team DC’s programs, events, and advocacy work that strengthen our community year-round.
✨ They also make great gifts this season—but don’t wait for a special occasion. Wear them to practice, travel days, league socials, or wherever you want Team DC to be seen.
👉 Shop, rep, and support Team DC:
Wear it proud. Wear it often. Support the team behind the teams.
2026 NIGHTS OUT
Washington Wizards - March 19th
We are proud to be working with the Wizards on planning for the Night OUT at the Wizards on March 19, 2026.
We are working on details for the night and look forward to another great Night OUT with the Wizards. Use the link above and share on your platforms, emails, newsletters, etc. Tickets are available in these sections and price points:
Ticket information coming soon!
Partner News
From Mayor Bowser’s Office:
Hey there community member!
Did you hear about the potential snow this weekend? Some of our friends and neighbors may need a helping hand clearing sidewalks. The Snow Team Heroes are volunteers who help clear snow for seniors and residents with disabilities, access, or functional needs.
We need heroes in all 8 wards to help vulnerable residents. If you volunteer, we’ll match you nearby and provide the supplies you need to successfully support our neighbors!
How You Can Help:
Please sign up at snowteam.dc.gov to become a Snow Team Hero. Your support is vital to our success this weekend.
Important Details for Volunteers:
Orientation: After sign-up, you will be sent an orientation video to review before deployment.
Supplies: Shovels and additional Snow team supplies will be available for pickup at Serve DC Headquarters located at 2235 Shannon Pl SE or 899 North Capitol St NE, from now until Friday, January 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Scope: Please note that Snow Heroes assist with residential snow removal; we do not service public areas or treat ice.
Let’s work together to help our neighbors!
The Gay Games are an 8-day international event that combines sport, culture, and community. They were created with a clear objective: to celebrate the diversity and visibility of LGBTQIA+ identities together with all allies.
In València 2026, you will have an unforgettable experience:
You will compete in your sport and have the chance to reach the podium in your category.
You will march in the opening ceremony and enjoy unique concerts and shows.
You will enjoy music, culture, workshops, and social activities.
You will make friends from all over the world in the Gay Games Village, the heart of the event.
Your athletic ability doesn’t matter here: the essential factor is to participate, share, and enjoy.
VALENCIA GAY GAMES
Member News
CONGRATULATIONS!
Petty Pitches Stonewall Kickball DC won the B Division championship at the OutLoud Sports Sin City Classic tournament
Register for the 30th Season of the DC Gay Flag Football League! Check out our page to learn more about us and sign up for our newsletter to get alerted when registration goes live.
About the DCGFFL:
🏅 More than 300 players and 20 teams
🏆 Named DC’s “best amateur sports league” in 2025
🗓️ Games played on Sundays from March 1-May 17
🏈 All football skill and experience levels encouraged to join
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ community members, allies, and people of all gender identities welcome
Registration for our spring season opens on Tuesday, January 27th at 7pm and closes on Sunday, February 1st (or when all spots have been claimed – whichever comes sooner).
Visit this link for registration instructions: https://www.dcgffl.org/spring-2026-registration
Other questions? Feel free to send us a DM (@dcgffl) or a note at [email protected]!
DC Pride Volleyball Snowball Tournament Returns - February 7 at GW
DCPVL Snowball is a friendly 1-day interdivisional tournament and it’s back this year! Snowball is a time to get friends from across divisions or new to volleyball together for some fun play and good competition.
So mark your calendars and get your team registered via TeamArrange (https://teamarrange.com/organization/dcpvl/session/2502/info).
Registration is $260 per team.
Looking for a team? You can register as a Free Agent using TeamArrange’s Player Connector.
Stonewall Dodgeball DC is actively recruiting individuals for our Spring 2026 Competitive and Social Leagues that will start in February. Whether you’re looking to dominate the court in our Competitive League or just want to make new friends and grab a drink in our Social League, Season 25 is looking for you to join!
Competitive League plays on Sundays from 1:30pm-5pm and Social League plays on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-10pm.
Check out our website for more information on this upcoming season's leagues - secure your spot before leagues are full.
Super Bowl Party!
Super
Come out to the DC Gay Flag Football League's Super Bowl watch party at Hook Hall!
WHEN: Sunday, February 8
TIME: 6:30pm Kickoff
WHERE: Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave NW
Specials will be available!
Sign up for Learn to Row (on Land) weekend session with DC Strokes Rowing Club – classes will be held on select weekends in February and March!
Learn the fundamentals of rowing from experienced coaches so you can confidently use any rowing machine, join our winter training program or get ready to start on the water in the spring.
For more information and to register: https://www.dcstrokes.org/learn-to-row
Lambda DanceSport DC teaches International Style Ballroom & Latin classes on Thurs at DanceSport Dupont Circle in preparation for Gay Games Valencia, 2026. JOIN US! Beginner level competitors need only dance 3 dances in either Ballroom or Latin (or preferably both! 🤠) DanceSportDupont.com Terry ~ 202-596-4860
Join DC Gaymers for Potion Hour, an LGBTQIA+ D&D social where you can unwind, roll some dice, and share adventures over pizza and drinks, alcoholic or otherwise.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just curious about the world of tabletop roleplay, it’s a space to connect, laugh, and celebrate community. Catch us every first Monday of the month at 6:00 PM at Crooked Run Fermentation DC.
Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association
ASGRA’s holds monthly horseback rides. The horseback ride takes place at Piscataway Trails, LLC in Clinton, MD (see map). The ride is an hour long. All horse, tack and some basic instructions are provided. Experienced and novice riders are welcome.
Horseback Ride costs are:
—$45 for non-members
—$40 for members
To RSVP or for more information, contact ASGRA President, Patrick Hunter at [email protected].
Every first Thursday of the month, DC Lambda Squares (DCLS) hold 30-min introductory dances for anyone interested in square dancing. No appointment or registration is needed, anyone can simply show up, learn how to dance for free, or just socialize. Free snacks and beverage are always provided by the club.
November 7-10, our club hosted an annual square dance weekend called "Harvest Festival Hoedown" in Harrisburg, PA. About 140 new and experienced square dancers from around the country and Canada attended the event. It was the 29th year of the club hosting the event.
Since August, we have hosted a weekly beginner square dance class. The class introduces newcomers to square dancing and to members in the DC metro area. Class fees are less than $10 per 90-minute class, and financial aid provided by the club is available. Graduates of the class will also receive free DCLS annual membership for 2026 and discounted rates to future events as first-time attendees.
And we dance every Thursday from 7-9pm at the National City Christian Church.
Till next time,
