This summer, Philadelphia is set to host an unparalleled event in LGBTQ sports history, the largest Stonewall Sports National Tournament to date. Scheduled for mid-July, this unique tournament aims to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ community through the universal language of sports.

The 2023 Stonewall Sports National Tournament is orchestrated by Director of Operations, Eric Cottrell. “There’s something special here in Philadelphia,” Cottrell expressed, “that I think our community comes together in a way that maybe isn’t always replicated in other cities.”

A testament to its uniqueness, Philadelphia is gearing up to magnify its charm to a national audience at the 2023 Stonewall Sports National Tournament. “This is a great opportunity to show what Stonewall Philly means to the other chapters around the country,” remarked Cottrell.

The nation-spanning nonprofit hosts 26 diverse chapters, offering a plethora of sports such as dodgeball, bowling, billiards, and kickball, among others. The local stomping grounds for thrilling Sunday kickball games happen to be Marconi Plaza in South Philadelphia.

Notably, the Philadelphia chapter is one of the largest in the Stonewall network, guided under the steady helm of Commissioner Matt Forrest. “There’s a charm to Philadelphia,” Forrest reiterated, “I think most people who live here would say we’re a little underrated, but Stonewall people know about us. This is a way to show off our community and also the city at large.”

In a bustling city like Philadelphia, sports enthusiasts can choose from a variety of sports leagues ranging from kickball and baseball to soccer. Yet, as Forrest outlines, Stonewall embodies something far beyond the realm of sports. “Stonewall is about taking one of the largest cities in the country,” Forrest enlightened, “and making it feel like you have a very specific place for you.”

Echoing this sentiment, Cottrell further explained, “It’s just really finding your place in a large city. It helps you feel that you’ve got a spot, that you’ve got a family, you’ve got support.”

Excitement for the upcoming tournament is quite palpable, with registration already hitting maximum capacity. The tournament is set to electrify Philadelphia during the weekend of July 14, with unique events held at a series of venues across the city.

“Excited to show off what Philadelphia has in our arts and our culture and our food scene,” Forrest chimed in. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable display of unity, sportsmanship, and celebration, only at the 2023 Stonewall Sports National Tournament in Philadelphia!