Gay Games Update: D.C. Still Could Get Gay Games!
Metro Weekly has an update on Washington, D.C.’s bid for the 2014 Gay Games. According to the paper, “D.C.’s bid, which included a requisite $1,000 fee, came from the Metropolitan Washington Gaymes Inc., a nonprofit 501c3 set up specifically for the Gay Games bid.” Brent Minor, president of GLBT sporting organization Team DC, attended the Federation of Gay Games meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, last month, where he was elected co-president of the organization’s Board of Directors. ”Washington, D.C., has a strong, committed, diverse organizing committee that is experienced in running international gay, sport tournaments,” he said of D.C.’s chances. “Our clubs have hosted every major gay, sport tournament that there is. I think that bodes well for our city.”
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6:32 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cleveland Synergy Foundation Contact:
W Douglas Anderson
President
216-583-0833
Email: information@clevelandsynergyfoundation.org
Rodeo Sporting Event Added to Cleveland Bid for Gay Games 2014
CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 9, 2008 – In an effort to secure the opportunity for Cleveland to be the host city for Gay Games IX and increase the broad-base appeal of the event, Cleveland Synergy Foundation today expanded its proposed sports events to include a rodeo through a partnership with the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA). This marks the first time in the Gay Games twenty-six year history the IGRA has been engaged to produce a rodeo for the event.
“We are pleased to support Cleveland Synergy Foundation’s bid to host the Gay Games in Cleveland,” remarked IGRA president, Brian Helander. “This provides an opportunity for the best amateur rodeo athletes in the world to compete in this internationally recognized event.”
Boasting more than 5,000 members across the United States and Canada, the IGRA represents one of the largest LGBT organizations in existence. The IGRA joins local supporters including the City of Cleveland, Cleveland City Council, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Positively Cleveland in Cleveland Synergy Foundation’s initiative to secure the Gay Games IX in Cleveland.
“We are extremely pleased to collaborate with the IGRA in our effort to make Cleveland the home for Gay Games 2014,” commented W. Doug Anderson, co-founder of Cleveland Synergy Foundation. “The inclusion of a rodeo enhances our bid to host the event and helps build Canadian participation through IGRA’s strong membership base.”
Gay Games IX will be held in 2014 and will include more than thirty sporting and cultural events. More than 12,000 participants and tens of thousands of family, friends, fans, and spectators are anticipated to travel to the host city for the event. Past Gay Games have yielded a significant economic impact to host cities, with estimates ranging from $60-$80 million.
About Cleveland Synergy Foundation
Cleveland Synergy Foundation is a public benefit corporation organized and operated to measurably enhance the economy, image and quality of life in the greater Cleveland LGBT and Straight communities by attracting and creating significant cultural, athletic and benevolent events and festivals.
Please visit http://www.clevelandsynergyfoundation.org for more information.
About the International Gay Rodeo Association
The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is an organization comprised of numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the United States and Canada. IGRA, in collaboration with member associations, assist these associations in raising and donating thousands of dollars to charity in their communities each year. The Gay and Lesbian Communities of the United States and Canada have been enriched by the educational efforts of IGRA through its sanctioning and sponsorship of the various events and activities which are a part of what we call “Gay Rodeo”. For more information, visit http://www.igra.com.
1:43 pm
Contact:
Cleveland Synergy Foundation
W. Doug Anderson
216.440.7411
Fleishman-Hillard, Inc.:
Michael Murphy
216.928.3485
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Strategic Partners Boost Cleveland Synergy Foundation’s Bid
for Gay Games IX
Addition of Development Director and Communications Partner Strengthen Initiative
CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 16, 2008 – Enhancing its effort to bring Gay Games IX to Cleveland, Cleveland Synergy Foundation today announced an expansion of its staff and retention of a communications firm. New Development Director, Patrick Bindis, and global public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard International Communications are the newest team members of the organization’s initiative.
Mr. Bindis will focus on fundraising programming and building support with key organizations in the community. “I am very pleased to be a part of this important community and economic development initiative for Cleveland,” Bindis explained. “We have a unique opportunity to showcase Cleveland to a relatively untapped international audience and support the LGBT community.”
Fleishman-Hillard’s Cleveland office will provide public relations strategy and support to Cleveland Synergy Foundation, both locally and through its global gay and lesbian communications practice group, FH Out Front. Fleishman-Hillard was the official communications firm for Gay Games VII, held in Chicago in 2006, and provided pro bono outreach and support for the Games from more than one dozen offices worldwide.
“We are pleased to support our community and Cleveland Synergy Foundation through this collaborative effort,” stated Greg Connel, senior vice president, partner and general manager of Fleishman-Hillard Cleveland. “FH Out Front includes practitioners who combine a real passion and expertise in gay and lesbian communications with a solid record of results in promoting Gay Games VII to diverse audiences around the world.”
“Patrick and Fleishman-Hillard provide us an unparalleled advantage in our bid to host the Gay Games in Cleveland in 2014,” W. Doug Anderson, co-founder of Cleveland Synergy Foundation, commented. “We look forward to continuing to expand our base of supporters in this endeavor, both locally and around the world.”
Gay Games IX will be held in 2014 and will include more than thirty sporting and cultural events. More than 12,000 participants and tens of thousands of family, friends, fans, and spectators are anticipated to travel to the host city for the event.
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Past Gay Games have yielded a significant economic impact to host cities, with estimates ranging up to $80 million from the Chicago event. Gay Games VIII will be held in Cologne, Germany, in 2010.
About Cleveland Synergy Foundation
Cleveland Synergy Foundation is a public benefit corporation organized and operated to measurably enhance the economy, image and quality of life in the greater Cleveland LGBT and Straight communities by attracting and creating significant cultural, athletic and benevolent events and festivals. Please visit http://www.clevelandsynergyfoundation.org for more information.
About Fleishman-Hillard, Inc.
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading public relations firms, has built its reputation by using strategic communications to deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia, and South Africa through its 80 owned offices.
With 20 full-time public relations and digital professionals in Cleveland and Columbus, Fleishman-Hillard Cleveland has served the global public relations agency’s local and national clients since 1999. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at http://www.fleishman.com.
Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.
6:12 pm
How dare Cleveland mock D.C.’s gay games bid in this manner!
8:00 pm
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