Real Men Wear Pink

They're lean and mean. They're rough and tough. They're most likely bruised and battered. And they come ready for battle dressed in pink.

Years ago when the president of Stade Francais Paris was trying to promote his rugby team, he looked to the fashion world for help. Max Guazzini wanted to create identifiable jerseys and some say use new uniforms to boost ticket sales. He first picked three lightening flashes which are now the club emblem and soon after opted for Barbie/bubblegum pink coloured uniforms for his burly and sweaty players to sport.

What better way to cause a little chatter in the macho rugby league than have his team's away uniforms in the rarest colour for any sportsman to wear - pink?

That year the team sold more than 20, 000 replica jerseys and obviously got a lot of attention by media and fans alike. The following year Guazzini had fashion designer, Kenzo, create another pink jersey. I guess real men aren't afraid to wear pink...

Thank You Cito Night

Soccer and hockey games are more my style, so you won't hear me saying "take me out to the ball game" all that often. However, last night marked a very special night in baseball history and I'm happy to have witnessed it at the Rogers Centre. Retiring Toronto Blue Jays manager, Cito Gaston, emerged from the dugout and into the spotlight in recognition of his final home game themed "Thank You Cito Night".

After a total of 18 years with the Toronto Blue Jays, Gaston's heart will forever bleed blue and white. First a hitting coach and then a successful manager, Gaston led the Jays to their two World Series Championships. He is also the first black manager to win a World Series. Acknowledged with a ceremony before the last home game of the season against the New York Yankees, this man will be hard to forget in Toronto. He will leave the sport of baseball leading the Blue Jays in games managed and wins with the following career highlights...

1989

BASEBALL MAN OF THE YEAR IN CANADA

1989, 1991, 1992, 1993

AL EAST DIVISION CHAMPION

1992 & 1993

AL CHAMPION SERIES WINNER

1992 & 1993

WORLD SERIES CHAMPION

1993

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

1993 & 1994

ALL-STAR GAME MANAGER

1999

BLUE JAYS LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE

2002

CANADIAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

2008

NEGRO LEAGUE HALL OF FAME LEGACY AWARD

All these awards are well-deserved, but it's Gaston's perseverance against racism that is most impressive to me and baseball fans around the world. He is influential for enduring racism in the southern U.S. as a player, coach and manager. He was an all-star for San Diego in 1970 and then became a hitting coach all the while taking young black players under his wing. As a mentor, he helped these players overcome the obstacles of mistreatment and racial slurs that were hurled at them during the games.

Gaston credits former all-time Major League home run leader, Hank Aaron, for giving him courage. The two were roommates when both played for the Atlanta Braves and Gaston thanks legendary Aaron for teaching him how to

be a man. Although I don't frequent the ball park, I can still appreciate baseball because of my own athletic background. Once a national-level gymnast, I can relate to the blood, sweat and tears it takes to be successful in any sport. Besides that, who wouldn't enjoy a cold beer, joining in the wave and watching grown men wear tight pants? I particularly love when the players hike up their socks to pull off the old-school uniform look. So when Jays fans booed A-rod at the plate, I enjoyed my view and took pictures.

Thank you Jays player, Jose Bautista, for reserving the great seats on a great night to catch a baseball game. In the end, both teams went home happily ever after. The Jays and Gaston won the last home game of the season and the Yankees qualified for the playoffs the night prior.

Two die hard fans I met in the stands.

Golfing Gators

I spent last weekend at the 2010 RBC Canadian Open rooting for a close friend of mine, Camilo Villegas. I'm sure many of you have heard of him or Spiderman as he's often referred to because of his trademark golf ball scoping technique. CV and I became friends several years ago when I attended University of Florida on a gymnastics scholarship and he obviously on a golf scholarship. With similar classes, training schedules and common areas for eating and studying, it's no surprise that everyone within the athletic community at UF became great friends. After graduation I still maintained many of my friendships with some amazing Florida Gators. Despite different lifestyles, long distances and infrequent messages, there are some friendships that will last a lifetime.

This was the third year that I've been able to cheer CV on at the Canadian Open, which is normally held at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville. This year however, the tournament was moved to the St. George’s Golf and Country Club just outside Toronto. Here are some pics of Nikki and I exploring the tournament.

CV got through the round on Saturday before the rain hit hard. I met up with him and Maria in Yorkville later that night for some sushi. We had a blast over dinner just catching up, telling stories, laughing and strolling the streets for ice cream. During the night, Hombre Araña (Spiderman in Spanish) was spotted by some canuck fans and asked for pictures and autographs. It was so nice to see him take the time for all those who approached him.

It's evident that he's adored by so many Canadians. He had the largest following of the tournament with people clapping once he reached the greens and then going wild every time he positioned himself into that trademark pose. One eager fan was even waving a huge Colombian flag at the last hole. It's refreshing to know that fame and fortune haven't gotten to his head though. Despite being named as one of the sexiest players on tour and known for his fashion forward golf attire by designer J. Lindeberg (see video below), the spicy Colombian still remains grounded.

Some pics of CV playing in the Canadian Open this year

Amazing following

Me, CV and Maria in Yorkville

While watching the tournament, I did take in some interesting observations. It amazed me at how horribly some of those pro golfers treat their caddy's. I understand it's their job to carry the bag and all, but is it really necessary to throw the bag and clubs down like a diva and then storm off to the next hole with the caddy puttering behind? Again, I don't know much about golf, but that seems so rude to me. Isn't a caddy supposed to give insightful advice and moral support in addition to carrying the bag?

I really liked how CV walked with his caddy, Brett Waldman. BW is such a sweetheart and also made sure to attach the Canadian flag I gave him onto CV's bag for good luck. Maybe being nice and actually having another eye out for your game could be attributed to CV's success on the course. Those rude golfers should take some pointers. I love this pic below of the boys. They look like they are having a blast walking TOGETHER and I really love the Gator club warmer (more commonly referred to as a head cover).

Sunday was a perfect day to watch golf. The sun was out, the Corona's were cold and I surprisingly ran into another fellow Gator, Matt Every. Not knowing he was playing the tournament, I thought I recognized him from a distance. When the official confirmed it was him, he looked over at me, shook his head and laughed before making his putt. He made sure to come over and give me a big hug before making his way to the next hole. He played a great tournament, being in 6th place at one point. We were able to catch up after his last hole. I congratulated him on his PGA Tour entry and his recent wedding. As a consistent and confident player, I know he will go a long way on tour.

I'm so proud of Camilo and Matt, but they aren't the only Gators that golf enthusiasts should be looking out for. Pay close attention to upcoming talents such as Mudd Man (AKA Jessie Mudd), Willy Bear (AKA Will Strickler) and Manny Fresh (AKA Manuel Villegas). These guys have what it takes to get to the top and I can't wait to cheer them on at upcoming Canadian Opens. They are genuinely great men, terrific golfers and pretty easy on the eyes!

Drogba the Great

It truly moves me to see people using power to do good in this world. With the FIFA World Cup in full swing, I just had to dedicate one of my blog posts to an amazing footballer. Look up leader, visionary and greatness in the dictionary and there you shall find the name Didier Drogba.

Drogba is a name I'm all too familiar with. I've obviously glanced at this months cover of Vanity Fair with him and my future hubby stripped to their skivvies. And before then, I had watched many Chelsea games with the talented Drogba as the leading striker. He is no stranger to the football world, that's for sure. As one of the best players in the world, Drogba is representing his homeland, Côte d'Ivoire, in this World Cup. Despite a fractured forearm, he will still play in upcoming matches with a protective cast approved by FIFA.

When Time Magazine released its 100 most influential people of the world, I was surprised with the mention of Didier Drogba. I knew of his athletic accomplishments, but when a friend mentioned his extraordinary work off the field, I was even more intrigued and impressed with the man.

For the past eight years, his homeland has been ravaged by civil war. Ivory Coast still remains divided with rebels in the north and a government presence in the south. United Nations and the French military failed to help, with increased hostility and raids on troops and civilians rising. It was Drogba who organized a statement of peace. He and his Côte d'Ivoire teammates created peace amongst a nation of terror when they qualified for the 2006 World Cup bringing both parties together. Many thank him for starting a positive movement to resolve the Ivorian Civil War.

Drogba has also stated that he will donate every penny earned from endorsements to building new hospitals in his country. I officially have goosebumps and crown Drogba the Mother Theresa of football.

Who knew that athletic greatness could lead to calming a civil war. And to use his personal endorsement money to build hospitals in his country, while others focus their wealth on oversized homes, sporty cars and luxury definitely warrants his name on the 100 most influential people list and so much more. If that wasn't enough, he even has a beer glass named after him, almost double the size of an average pint.

So cheers to you, Drogba! Thank you for being such a wonderful role model and I can only hope that more footballers can transform their fame and fortune to make the world a better place.

OmGym

If you love hardcore workouts, weight training and you go to the gym every other day, then you're definitely NOT like me. But, if you're into keeping healthy, getting in an occasional LIGHT workout and a great stretch, then we would probably get along much better. During my last day in LA, I had a blast "working out" in Venice beach before my red-eye flight back home to Toronto. I'm one lucky gypsy to have had this personally catered workout from an expert OmGym instructor.

OmGym is a multi-purpose portable inversion therapy device with all the benefits of yoga. It is a new line of fitness that incorporates supported gravity-free yoga, upside-down inversion therapy and full body strength and core workout. The device resembles a mini parachute and harness that can hang from pillars, trees or even off a swing set on the beach in my case. It is equipped with 6 different handles differing in length to allow over 1000 different moves and poses.

One of the main functions of the OmGym is its inversion therapy applications. It relieves back pain, improves posture and enhances spinal mobility. It improves digestion and elimination as well as lymphatic drainage and blood purification. It elevates the mood and eliminates depression. It enhances relaxation and promotes sounder sleep. It also boosts brain power and leads to a more beautiful appearance as the body gains more circulation through being upside down. The OmGym does all these wonderful things, but most importantly it's fun. It doesn't feel like a workout and there's never a dull moment with so many ways to be creative in an everyday workout.

My workout started off a little flustered. I ate breakfast right before and my first inverted hang wasn't too pretty. I don't recommend eating immediately prior to the OmGym experience. After I waited a bit, I got right back into the swing of things (literally). I started with the basic inverted hang to decompress my back. I also did a few low repetition strength training exercises to workout my arms and legs and of course got an overall great stretch in. After my workout I felt relaxed and ready to take on the day.

If all else fails this device can be used as a great tool for partner yoga and play. Sarah Kellett will soon be marketing her OmGym as a sex swing. So if you prefer getting your workout in the bedroom or just want to spruce up your love life, then consider the OmGym as well.

Here are some more pics of the twists and tangles I got myself into!

World Cup

It's finally here... 2010 FIFA World Cup. I along with billions of soccer fans around the world have been patiently awaiting the World Cup, which kicks off (literally) today. As the first African nation to host the tournament, South Africa will cater to the 19th FIFA World Cup this year.

South Africa has been busy preparing for the soccer craze to begin. New buildings have been constructed, transportation improved and security measures heightened. It may seem like a friendly game of kick ball, but there are too many fans who take their teams and the sport extremely close to heart. There have been many dangerous brawls in soccer stadiums across the world and instances of fans being trampled to death after games. During my trip to Amsterdam last spring, I did a tour of Amsterdam Arena and home to the Ajax football club. I was amazed that opposing fans had their own separate entrance to the arena through a subway line that went directly to seating in their closed-off section. The section was completely caged in to ensure that none of them threw garbage onto the field or disrupted the game in any way.

Some players even fear their own lives when returning back to their countries after a huge loss. Yup it's true. Take for example Colombian footballer Andrés Escobar who was shot and killed when returning home to Medellin after accidentally scoring a goal on his own net in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. It was reported that his killer shouted "goal" for each of the 12 bullets fired. His mistake caused huge gambling losses to several high profile drug lords all across the country.

Unfortunately my team (Czech Republic) did not qualify for the event and I've had to make some drastic changes. Trading in my Czech jersey was not easy, but I now wear green and red with the name Ronaldo written across the back. That and my beverage selection will be adjusted to a refreshing Sagres instead of my classic Pilsner. If I'm going to cheer for a team, I'm going to go all out. I figure since my hometown is heavily Portuguese populated and my dream is to one day become the future Mrs. Cristiano Ronaldo, I might as well be more patriotic.



The first matches are as follows...

	South Africa	vs.			Mexico					-	11 Jun 10:00am (ET)
	Uruguay	vs.			France					-	11 Jun 2:30pm (ET)

Here's a little clip to get you in the mood!