More than 3,000 athletes and fans from 35 cities across the U.S. and Canada will converge in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. this week for Series 2006, the 30th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS).

The annual weeklong tournament, taking place Aug. 14-19, is hosted by the South Florida Amateur Athletic Association. Champions will be crowned in the eight different divisions organized by the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA). The divisions are: Open A, B, C and D; and Women’s A, B, C and D.

Many of America’s Finest City Softball League’s (AFCSL) teams have traveled to Florida to compete. San Diego teams include: Pecs IM (Open B Division), Phil’s Barbecue Outlaws and Viejas Gamblers (Open C Division), Club Extasis (Open D Division) and Happy Hour (Women’s C Division).

The tournament commenced on Aug. 15 and continues throughout the week at three Ft. Lauderdale area softball complexes: Brian Piccolo Park, Mills Pond Park and Plantation Sunset Park. All games begin at 7:00 a.m. on each day. The championship will take place at Mills Pond Park on Saturday, Aug. 19, followed by closing ceremonies at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

American Airlines and Avis Car Rental are the official travel sponsors of Series 2006. Many other corporate and individual sponsors have also contributed to make Series 2006 possible. For more information about Series 2006, visit www.series2006.org.

NAGAAA is a nonprofit, international organization dedicated to promoting amateur athletics for the gay community. Created in 1977, NAGAAA was formed to encourage the participation of gay men and women in organized softball competition. NAGAAA membership is comprised of 56 gay softball leagues representing 35 cities across the United States and Canada.

For information about the NAGAAA, visit www.nagaaasoftball.org, or e-mail publicity@nagaaasoftball.org.