"It's the toughest sport there is," says Larry Mitchell, regional chairman of the National Gym Association. Bodybuilders sculpt their physiques into massive yet refined proportions by lifting weights, burning fat and eating an enormous amount of...stuff. Then, they show off. Mitchell, a 35-year bodybuilding veteran, says "really talented athletes" consider the sport a way to stay healthy and gain some attention. This weekend, the gym association presents the Golden Triangle Championships. Beginning with prejudging and culminating in a final competition, aspiring Arnolds will flex, pose and otherwise flaunt their pumpitude in the Teen, Novice, Open and Masters divisions. In an attempt to "get away from old-school bodybuilding shows," the show also features entertainment, including "guest poser" Deborah Parsons, who recently went professional, and "up-and-coming" rapper Carlos Dinero from Houston. Further proof of a new era in bodybuilding: Every competitor will be tested for steroids and illicit enhancers. "We want bodybuilding to grow," says Mitchell, "but we want it to keep its integrity." That's the toughest part of any sport. Prejudging: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($8 admission). Finals: 7 p.m. ($20). Saturday, June 28. Rogers Theater, Beaumont Civic Center, 765 Pearl Street. For information, call 281-240-1064 or visit www.ubfitness.com. -- Eric Norvell
SAT 6/28
An Open Field
The Montrose Soccer Club is made up of mostly gay and lesbian players, but the
group is open to anyone -- that is, anyone with skills. Straight players have
been known to join similar teams in other cities. For gay players here, the
club fills a void. "A lot of people," says organizer Michael Moore, "aren't
comfortable playing on a mainstream team." Members have already dusted off their
soccer cleats and started practicing. And they're working toward a serious long-term
goal: playing in the Gay Games in Montreal in 2006. The Montrose Soccer Club
meets Saturdays at 10 a.m. at Wilson Elementary, 2100 Yupon (at Fairview). For
information, call 713-862-9491 or visit www.geocities.com/montrosesoccer.
-- Eric Norvell
