MIAMI BEACH & MIAMI ARE ONE OF TWO FINALISTS VYING TO HOST THE 2017 WORLDOUTGAMES

The Gay & Lesbian International Sport Association
announces shortlist of bidders for fourth edition of worldOutgames

MIAMI BEACH – (GayWebSource.com) — Miami Beach and Miami have been selected as one of two finalists to host the 2017 worldOutgames, announced Bruce Townsend, co-chair of the Miami Beach-Miami Sports & Cultural League, the 13-member volunteer coalition that entered the bid on behalf of the cities.  The other finalist is Reykjavik, Iceland.  No U.S. city has ever hosted a worldOutgames.

The worldOutgames is sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association (GLISA) and take place every four years in a different global city.  Previous hosts have been Montreal and Copenhagen with the 2013 games slated for July and August 2013 in Antwerp, Belgium.  WorldOutgames are open to all who wish to participate, without regard to sexual orientation, and all competitions are arranged according to the skill level of the athletes.  Cultural and human rights components make the event a well-rounded experience for athletes and non-athletes alike.

GLISA co-president Daniel Vaudrin made the announcement of the finalists during a press conference in Antwerp hosted jointly by the Prime Minister of Belgium, Elio Di Rupo, and Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament and former Prime Minister of Belgium.

A site inspection team will now visit both cities and prepare a report that will be presented to the members of GLISA. The final step will take place in Antwerp, Belgium, in February 2013 — each city will be invited to present its bid to the members at a selection meeting. In order to be as inclusive as possible, members will be able to take part and vote by video and teleconference. The winning city will be announced at the conclusion of the meeting.

Included in the Miami Beach-Miami bid were proposals to host a human rights conference, a diverse cultural program, a worldOutgames Village, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and 30 sporting events.

“There’s not a city in the world more capable or more excited to host the worldOutgames than Miami Beach and Miami,” Townsend said.  “Miami Beach and Miami exemplify the true spirit and true culture of world-renowned South Florida. From the sexy sands of South Beach to the exotic wildlife of Zoo Miami to the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades, South Florida overflows with the energy of constant activity — literally 24/7. We are eager to showcase our hometown to visitors from throughout the world.”

Miami Beach-Miami Sports & Cultural League members are:

• · Ivan Cano, Co- Chair- Executive Director of Miami Beach Gay Pride
• · Bruce Townsend, Co- Chair, Social Catering Sales Director-Centerplate at the Miami Beach Convention Center
• · Jerry Torres, Treasurer- Secretary, Principal GT Entertainment LOC
• · Michael Gongora, Vice-Mayor, City of Miami Beach
• · Steven Adkins, President & CEO of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
• · Bob Balsam, General Manager- Global Spectrum, managing company of the Miami Beach Convention Center
• · George Neary, Associate Vice President/Cultural Tourism, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
• · Cindy Brown, Executive Director of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens
• · Nick Tierno, General Manger- Centerplate at the Miami Beach Convention Center
• · Jose Sotolongo, Executive Director of the Miami- Dade Sports Commission
• · Keith Hart, Relationship Manager- GBPS- American Express
• · Richard Murry, President – The Murry Agency Public Relations
• · Karen Brown, Executive Director of the LGBT Visitors Center

Media Contact https://www.gaywebsource.com/gaypress/members/richard/

Media provided by GayWebSource.com – Gay Media and Press Network.