Last weekend Elders was in Venice, Calif., for a photo shoot. People who live in the city usually know the area and the fun things to do. Members can peruse the directory and search for other sports buffs by city, game, age and skill level. The eight sports categories include football, windsurfing and water polo.
Members communicate through blind e-mail.
A businessman in England, for example, is scheduled to play racquetball with his e-mail buddy in New England this summer. Blondell says she conceived the idea for the service two years ago when her tennis matches ended after her tennis partner became pregnant. While basic membership will remain free, Blondell says fee-based ones are in the works. An executive membership for business travelers will be available in four months. It will offer discounts at golf courses and hotels.