World Outgames Miami Builds Momentum

Momentum is building for World OutGames Miami 2017 with the announcement of a major commitment from the City of Miami Beach. During a recent City of Miami Beach Commission meeting, the City Commission voted unanimously to support World OutGames Miami, which will be held Friday, May 26 through Sunday, June 4, 2017.

"It is great for us to have the support of the City of Miami Beach, which fosters so many great programs that improve the quality of life for its residents and attracts visitors around the world," said Ivan Cano, chief executive officer of World OutGames Miami. "We deeply thank Mayor Philip Levine and fellow Commissioners, City Manager Jimmy Morales and staff for their vision to recognize how the WorldOutGames will inspire, motivate and unify thousands of people."

Following the recommendation of a Letter to Commission submitted by the Miami Beach LGBT Advisory Committee, the Commission unanimously approved support for World OutGames Miami including fee waivers associated with various facilities required to host the cultural, sporting and human rights events, as well as other in-kind support and operating dollars.

"The World OutGames are a great opportunity to showcase Miami Beach's promotion of a healthy and athletic lifestyle and inclusive community," said Miami Beach City Commissioner Ricky Arriola.

The highly anticipated 10-day event will bring to life 34 sports and more than 450 events across the areas of Sport, Culture and Human Rights. Every four years, World OutGames brings together LGBT athletes, many from countries where homosexuality remains illegal and hidden. In the spirit of true inclusiveness, World OutGames is open to all, regardless of sexual orientation.

World OutGames Miami recently launched advanced registration for participants, which is available online at outgames.org. Athletes who register before September 1, 2016 can save $100 USD. The comprehensive registration package includes admission to Opening and Closing Ceremonies, access to OPEN sports and culture events, access to Festival Village and much more.

In addition to funding from the City of Miami Beach, World OutGames Miami is made possible through the support of the Florida Sports Foundation, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and Miami Sports, Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

World OutGames Miami will do more than challenge the body and capture hearts of participants and spectators. It will open minds with compelling and current insights about the LGBTQI community from international thought leaders, as well as the athletes who come to compete. The LGBTQI Human Rights Conference is positioned to be the most powerful global gathering of internationally respected human rights activists, researchers, legal scholars and trade organizations. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQI community, an ally, or simply interested in how the journey toward equality is progressing, our LGBTQI Human Rights Conference will educate, inform and inspire you.

Companies and community organizations interested in supporting World OutGames are encouraged to contact Ben Walter at [email protected]

For more information about World OutGames Miami, visitwww.outgames.org