UPenn To Host Second Annual "Courage Game"
by Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The second annual Courage Game kicks off next weekend on U-Penn's campus.
"Initially, I felt a huge barrier in just coming out," says Nick Welton, founder of the Courage Game. The non-profit puts on an event that attracts hundreds of kids age 8 and up. The mission is play lacrosse in an inclusive environment.
"The masculine environment does exist- but we really want people to feel welcome to come out and participate in the game we love," says Welton.
He understands first hand how the masculine environment can effect athletes. Welton is openly gay and has played sports for years.
As a professional lacrosse coach, he's seen it all, including the barriers and bullying that can happen both on the field and off-- issues that can be viewed as obstacles for athletes who are gay, lesbian or Transgender.
"We do not want those barriers," he says, "for us, it's about competition, it's about team work and that's what we'll be able to enjoy, and anyone who wants to play can come out."
Welton created the Courage Game in 2015 after hearing the story of 12 year old Braeden Lange, a young lacrosse player who came out and suffered once isolated from his friends.
"I didn't have any clue that I was going to come out that day," says Braeden Lange, when asked why he decided to come out. "One of my friends were making all these gay jokes-- and at that moment I knew I was going to come out because I couldn't take the stress anymore."
Lange believed his friends accepted him. But later on that changed.
"A lot of people were surprised, they were shocked," he says.
Thankfully, with his family's support he grew stronger. Lange says his dad told him about an ESPN feature on Andrew Goldstein, the first openly gay male to play a professional team sport. Eventually, Goldstein teamed up with Welton and they created the Courage Game.
"Everybody is coming out under a single cause," says Welton.
The cause: acceptance of everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual identity.
"I hope when other kids hear my story-- they are inspired," says Lange.
Braeden Lange says he plans to play. The Courage Game takes place May 29th at Penn Park.
Details can be found at http://couragegame.org/.
