The 2022 Gay Games in Hong Kong have acquired essential support from both Marriott Bonvoy and YouTube, the new main sponsors.
(June, 2021) Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 today announced iconic global brands as their first sponsoring partners. Marriott Bonvoy and YouTube have proudly pledged their Platinum Level support for the Games, the largest inclusive sporting and cultural event of its kind.
“We are proud to be one of the main sponsors for the Gay Games 11,” said Bart Buiring, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific. “With Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 800 properties and 24 exciting brands across Asia Pacific, our doors are always open to welcome all. This sponsorship is just one way we showcase our long-standing commitment to celebrate diversity and inclusion, inspiring travelers to be their true authentic selves whoever and wherever they are.”
From hotel lodgings to shopping and local tourist attractions, the estimated economic impact of the Gay Games in Hong Kong is expected to generate over HK$1billion in the city. It will be one of the biggest events to be held in Hong Kong as the region begins to recover and move onwards from the global COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the hospitality and tourism sectors particularly hard.
“Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 is happening and we’re thrilled to have this first slate of internationally renowned brands joining this historic project”, said Christof Wittig, Director of Fundraising and Partnerships. “Their support speaks volumes about the values these partners stand for and the immense opportunity for Hong Kong, regional and global businesses to partner with the Gay Games.”
An Historic Event for Hong Kong
Expecting to welcome over 12,000 participants and 75,000 spectators from 100 countries, the Gay Games promise to be a major event contributing to Hong Kong’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Commenting on the anticipated substantial economic benefits, Stephen Phillips, Director-General of InvestHK, the HKSAR government department tasked to attract foreign direct investment, said “We are delighted to be a supporting organisation. Of course, the economic benefits will be welcome. The participation of international companies and talent from around the world is a great opportunity to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of our city.”
Further supporting this sentiment, Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 Advisory Committee member Ming-Wai Lau, Chairman of Ocean Park, remarked that the Gay Games will be “a liberal and inclusive event in Hong Kong while contributing to economic and tourism growth”.
The Most Inclusive Gay Games in History
Founded in San Francisco in 1982 by Dr. Tom Waddell, Gay Games has become the world’s largest sporting and cultural event led by LGBTQ+ sport participants, artists, and musicians. Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 marks the special 40th anniversary of the Gay Games. The Games is proudly organised and funded by the community, participants and commercial partners. The funds will ease the financial hardship for participants from across Asia and the world to join the Gay Games for the first time and make Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 the most diverse edition of the Games in its history.
“Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 is inviting the rest of the world.”, said Lisa Lam co-chair. “The Gay Games Hong Kong’s unique combination of sport, arts, culture, fun and community brings together diverse groups of people to experience moments of joy, creating unity and positive attitudes that will last a lifetime in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond under our tagline “Unity in Diversity” added Dennis Philipse, founder and co-chair of the Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 team.
An increase in participation levels amongst youths (18-25 years old), women and transgender communities is one of the ambitions for the organizers.
Learn more about how we can make history, together, here.
___________________________
About Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022
Gay Games 11 Hong Kong will take place in 11-19 November 2022, first time in Asia. We are expecting 12,000 participants, 75,000 spectators and 3,000 volunteers from 100 countries under the theme “Unity in Diversity.” There are 36 sporting events planned including Dragon Boat Racing, Dodgeball, eSports, and Trail Running, Opening & Closing ceremonies, Festival Village, and Arts & Culture events with daily performances, a Gala Concert, LGBTQ+ art exhibitions, and memorial events to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Gay Games. Supporting organisations include the Equal Opportunities Commission and BrandHKBuilding on the success of the Paris Gay Games 10 in August 2018, Gay Games 11 will have an estimated economic impact of HKD 1 billion (USD 128 million), comprising 300,000 hotel room bookings and associated consumption revenue, and millions of pictures on social media #HongKong.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
About the Federation of Gay Games (FGG)
The FGG mission is to promote equality and social change for LGBTQ+ people through its quadrennial sports and culture event, the Gay Games. Conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, the Gay Games principles are “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best™” and it was first held in San Francisco in 1982. It is now the world’s largest quadrennial LGBTQ+ sports and cultural event open to all, that is organized and led by LGBTQ+ artists and athletes. Gay Games have been held in San Francisco (1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Amsterdam (1998), Sydney (2002), Chicago (2006), Cologne (2010), and Cleveland+Akron (2014). The most recent Gay Games, in Paris (2018), involved over 10,000 participants from 91 countries, 3,000 volunteers, 36 sports.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Related:
What Can Feminist Philanthropy Do to Address Sexism In Video Games?
New YouTube Documentary Follows Gender Justice Pioneers
How Can Feminist Funding Shift Games Culture?
