CLEVELAND, OH--(Marketwired - Apr 10, 2013) - The Gay Games announced today that Ernst & Young LLP, a leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, is a Platinum Sponsor of the 2014 global quadrennial event, further strengthening the firm's commitment to inclusiveness. The Games are the largest diverse amateur sporting event in the world, expected to draw 30,000 visitors, including 11,000 participants, to host cities Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, from Aug. 9-16, 2014.
"We're honored to have a company of Ernst & Young LLP's caliber involved in making this the best Gay Games," said Executive Director Thomas Nobbe. "Its long-time involvement in the LGBT community, including its eight consecutive 100% ratings as reported in Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI), speaks well of how it can impact the greater mission and offer integral support to the Games."
"Ernst & Young knows that fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace leads to better results -- for our clients and our high-performing teams," said Steve Howe, Ernst & Young's Americas Managing Partner. "Sponsoring the Gay Games underscores our commitment to leading in the market with our diversity and inclusiveness initiatives and to making inclusiveness real for everyone."
Ernst & Young has long been involved in diversity and inclusiveness efforts, including promotion of a welcoming work culture through policy and practice, and outside support of many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)-related organizations including the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, The Trevor Project, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and many more. Learn more at www.ey.com/us/LGBTA.
Ernst & Young LLP Cleveland Office Managing Partner Lee Thomas said he is pleased to welcome the Games to America's heartland, Cleveland and Akron, a region where the company has operated for more than 110 years. "Our involvement highlights our continued commitment to diversity and inclusiveness and is an outstanding opportunity to support continued economic development in Northeast Ohio," he said.
Ernst & Young and its member firms support a wide range of elite sports initiatives given the leadership potential they unlock. Ernst & Young LLP was a sponsor of the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago and, most recently, served as a sponsor of the London bid to host the 2018 Gay Games. Additionally, Ernst & Young LLP is a sponsor of the 2013 National Senior Games being held in Cleveland, Ohio, and Ernst & Young Terco is a sponsor of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Looking ahead to Rio, Ernst & Young just launched a first-of-its-kind program to tap the leadership potential of elite female athletes and Olympians after their retirement from competitive sport.
Created in 1982 by former Olympian and gay man Tom Waddell, the Gay Games are held every four years and have been held in world-class cities, including San Francisco, Sydney, Vancouver, New York, Amsterdam, Chicago and Cologne, Germany.
Federation of Gay Games Co-President Kurt Dahl said Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, were chosen because of their welcoming atmosphere and the ability of the Games to have an impact bigger than ever before. "Now, we officially welcome Ernst & Young to the 2014 history-making event and more importantly extend our appreciation for its ongoing support of the Gay Games and its mission," he said.
About Ernst & Young
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Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.
Ernst & Young LLP is a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited that provides professional services to clients in the US.
About the Gay Games
The Gay Games are an international sporting and cultural event held every four years. Launched in 1982, the Games invite participation from all competitors regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, athletic or artistic ability, age, physical challenge or health status. It is founded on the principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best ™.
The Games offer a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered participants. They are open to anyone 18 years or older. About 10 percent of participants are from outside the LGBT community.
Gay Games 9 will be August 9-16, 2014, in venues around Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, in the United States. More than 35 sports and culture event competitions will be held, with more than 11,000 participants expected to join the medal race. For more information, visit www.gg9cle.com, www.facebook.com/gaygamescleveland or www.twitter.com/gg9cleveland.
Documents and/or Photos available for this release:
Ernst & Young signs on as sponsor of 2014 Gay Games
Cleveland+Akron, Ohio, will host the quadrennial Gay Games from August 9-16, 2014.
To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 350808
Contact Information:
Contact:
Tom Nobbe
2014 Gay Games
E-Mail: tnobbe@gg9cle.com