2014 Gay Games Organisers Look to Draw Sochi 2014 Sponsors

The organisers of the 2014 Gay Games have reached out to corporate sponsors of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia inviting them to demonstrate their commitment to diversity in sports by becoming sponsors of next year’s Gay Games. T

The Gay Games, one of the world’s largest inclusive multi-sporting events, will take place in Cleveland+Akron, Ohio, with an expected 10,000 participants competing in 36-plus sport and cultural events.

“Russia’s anti-gay laws serve as a global reminder of why the Gay Games, begun more than 30 years ago, are needed today,” says Steve Sokany, co-chair of the 2014 Gay Games. “As long as LGBT athletes are not free to compete openly everywhere in the world, the Gay Games are a necessity. They reinforce the value of allowing people to participate in sports as their true selves without fear of legal and/or social repercussions.”

Organisers of the 2014 Gay Games have joined the LGBT Sport Coalition in inviting all those affiliated with the Olympics, from the International Olympic Committee to the media covering the Russia games, to discuss the repressive anti-gay laws in the host country and work so all LGBT Olympians are able to compete openly, proudly and without any negative consequences.

“The Gay Games were founded by Olympic decathlete Tom Waddell as a ‘vehicle of change.’ That mission continues today,” says Hollie Ksiezyk, co-chair of the 2014 Gay Games.

“The Gay Games’ motto is Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best. The Gay Games are open to all adults regardless of sexual orientation or athletic ability,” says Ksiezyk. “We already are seeing the world come together in that spirit.”

To date, Gay Games 9, the organization planning and implementing the 2014 Gay Games, has heard back from three of the 24 corporations that were contacted. All three declined to become sponsors. “We are hopeful that among the remaining corporations we have not yet heard from that there are several who will step up and show their support for the ideals of the Gay Games,” says Sokany.