Marriott Goes Platinum to Support 2014 Gay Games

CLEVELAND, OH--(Marketwired - Aug 9, 2013) - Marriott International is stepping up to the plate as a platinum sponsor and exclusive hotel partner for the world's largest and most popular LGBT sport and cultural event, the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation.

"We're thrilled to have Marriott as our official hotel partner. Marriott is a corporate leader in diversity and inclusion and it is great that they are supporting the Gay Games," says 2014 Gay Games Co-Chair Steve Sokany. "We look forward to a strong partnership that will help make the ninth Gay Games one of the best ever."

The 2014 Gay Games run August 9-16, 2014, in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. The Games encompass 35-plus sports and cultural events. Built on the principles of Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™, the Games are open to all adults of any athletic ability.

"We are so proud to be a platinum sponsor for the Gay Games," said Joanna Todd, vice president of segment marketing for Marriott International. "As a company that is committed to diversity and inclusion, becoming the official hotel partner is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment to this community. We know we have LGBT guests, along with their families and friends and we want them to feel comfortable during their stays. Diversity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of our culture and we are committed to welcoming all. And supporting the Gay Games is now part of that welcoming tradition."

As Hollie Ksiezyk, co-chair of the 2014 Gay Games, explains: "Marriott already is a popular travel host for LGBT customers around the world. Its www.marriott.com/gaytravel site is translated into five languages -- demonstrating one more reason why Marriott is a great fit with the global Gay Games."

The Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland, part of the Marriott portfolio, is designated as the 2014 Gay Games host hotel and will welcome participants at the beginning of the event through the opening accreditation activities as well as other events throughout the week.

"We are honored to have been selected as the official host hotel for the 2014 Gay Games. The Gay Games will no doubt serve to inspire our community and build awareness of Cleveland as a vibrant destination. On behalf of the Renaissance Cleveland, we are delighted to be a part of this exciting initiative," says Theona Simbrat, general manager.

About Marriott
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott  and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world.

Marriott has earned top scores on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index over the past few years. In 2012, Marriott Executive Vice President Kathleen Matthews was presented the Ally for Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign and its LGBT "Be You, With Us" Pride campaign was a finalist for the prestigious GLAAD Amplifier Award. A participant in the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce supplier diversity program, Marriott also was one of the first hotel chains to offer equal same-sex partner benefits to it employees more than a decade ago. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com or www.marriott.com/gaytravel.

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 11,000 people from more than 60 countries expected to participate. For more information, visit www.gg9cle.com, www.facebook.com/gaygamescleveland or www.twitter.com/gg9cleveland.

Documents and/or Photos available for this release:

Cleveland+Akron readies for the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation from August 9-16, 2014.

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