Human Rights Campaign Partners with 2014 Gay Games
With elite-level sponsorship, nation's largest advocate for LGBT civil rights furthers its commitment to leveling the playing field in sports
CLEVELAND, Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization today announced it will be an elite platinum sponsor of the world's largest LGBT inclusive multi-sport event, the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation.
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In light of the discriminatory laws against LGBT individuals which hang over the upcoming Olympic Games in Sochi, it is HRC's belief that an event which proudly showcases the diversity and talents of LGBT athletes is uniquely necessary and timely.
"The Gay Games bring athletes from around the world together to celebrate sport and humanity," said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse. "As the Sochi games are plagued with archaic and bigoted laws, the Gay Games show the world that anti-LGBT bigotry and discrimination have no place in the world of sports."
HRC will be the official sponsor of the Marathon and Half Marathon at the 2014 Gay Games. This commitment makes HRC an overall Platinum Sponsor of the Games, joining Marriott, Ernst & Young, Eaton Corp. and the Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation as elite sponsors of the Games.
Tim Downing, co-chair of the 2014 Gay Games Leadership Council and former co-chair of HRC Board of Directors, expressed the 2014 Gay Games' pleasure to have HRC as a partner who shares a similar mission. "HRC has and continues to create lasting change in regard to equality for all. While the Gay Games happens one week every four years, its positive impact on participants, their friends and the host communities lasts forever," he said.
In the months leading up to the Games, HRC will encourage its members and supporters around the country and world to participate or volunteer with the Games. As an incentive, each registration by an HRC member or supporter using a unique code will have a portion of the registration fee directly benefit the Russia LGBT Sport Federation. The Federation will use these funds to provided necessary gear and scholarships to out Russian athletes who wish to make the trip to Cleveland this August. Additionally, the next 1,000 registrants to the Gay Games will also receive a special promotional code to the HRC Action Center & Store.
HRC will be present the week of the Gay Games to engage attendees from around the world about its work domestically and abroad.
About HRC
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
HRC's Athletes for Equality are committed to taking a personal stance in the name of equality. Whether LGBT or straight allies, our Athletes share our beliefs about the injustices LGBT Americans face and possess a willingness to push themselves physically to bring forth change.
For more information, connect with HRC and its Athletes for Equality initiative:
www.hrc.org| @HRC | www.facebook.com/humanrightscampaign
www.hrc.org/athletes
About the Gay Games
The Gay Games is an international sporting and cultural event held every four years under the founding principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™. Launched in 1982, the Games invite participation from everybody, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, athletic or artistic ability, age, physical challenge or health status.
The Games are intended to bring a global community together in friendship, to experience participation, to elevate consciousness and self-esteem, and to achieve a form of cultural and intellectual synergy. The Gay Games is open to anyone 18 years or older. About 10 percent of participants are from outside the LGBT community.
The 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation will be August 9-16, 2014, in venues around Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, in the United States. More than 35 sports and culture events will be held, with more than 10,000 people from more than 60 countries expected to participate.
For more information, connect with the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation:
GG9CLE.com | @GG9Cleveland | Facebook.com/GayGamesCleveland
About the Cleveland Foundation
The Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $1.86 billion and 2012 grants of $91 million. Through the generosity of donors, the foundation improves the lives of Greater Clevelanders by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership on vital issues.
As part of its centennial year in 2014, the Cleveland Foundation is proud to be the first presenting sponsor in Gay Games history. The foundation's support of the Games continues its long-standing commitment to social justice and inclusion.
For more information on the Cleveland Foundation:
ClevelandFoundation.org| @CleveFoundation| Facebook.com/ClevelandFoundation
Paul Guequierre | [email protected] | 202-423-2860
Ann M. Gynn | [email protected] | 216-479-6470
SOURCE Gay Games
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