| :: Rodeo Sporting Event Added to Cleveland Bid for Gay Games 2014 :: |
Cleveland Synergy Foundation
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Synergy: The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. |
CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 9, 2008 – In an effort to secure the
opportunity for Cleveland to be the host city for Gay Games IX and increase
the broad-base appeal of the event, Cleveland Synergy Foundation today
expanded its proposed sports events to include a rodeo through a
partnership with the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA). This
marks the first time in the Gay Games twenty-six year history the IGRA has
been engaged to produce a rodeo for the event.
“We are pleased to support Cleveland Synergy Foundation’s bid to host the
Gay Games in Cleveland,” remarked IGRA president, Brian Helander.
“This provides an opportunity for the best amateur rodeo athletes in the
world to compete in this internationally recognized event.”
Boasting more than 5,000 members across the United States and Canada,
the IGRA represents one of the largest LGBT organizations in existence. The
IGRA joins local supporters including the City of Cleveland, Cleveland City
Council, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Akron/Summit Convention
and Visitors Bureau, and Positively Cleveland in Cleveland Synergy
Foundation’s initiative to secure the Gay Games IX in Cleveland.
“We are extremely pleased to collaborate with the IGRA in our effort to
make Cleveland the home for Gay Games 2014,” commented W. Doug
Anderson, co-founder of Cleveland Synergy Foundation. “The inclusion of
a rodeo enhances our bid to host the event and helps build Canadian
participation through IGRA’s strong membership base.”
Gay Games IX will be held in 2014 and will include more than thirty
sporting and cultural events. More than 12,000 participants and tens of
thousands of family, friends, fans, and spectators are anticipated to travel to
the host city for the event. Past Gay Games have yielded a significant
economic impact to host cities, with estimates ranging from $60-$80 million.
About Cleveland Synergy Foundation
Cleveland Synergy Foundation is a public benefit corporation organized and
operated to measurably enhance the economy, image and quality of life in
the greater Cleveland LGBT and Straight communities by attracting and
creating significant cultural, athletic and benevolent events and festivals.
Please visit www.clevelandsynergyfoundation.org for more information.
About the International Gay Rodeo Association
The International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) is an organization
comprised of numerous regional Gay Rodeo Associations from across the
United States and Canada. IGRA, in collaboration with member
associations, assist these associations in raising and donating thousands of
dollars to charity in their communities each year. The Gay and Lesbian
Communities of the United States and Canada have been enriched by the
educational efforts of IGRA through its sanctioning and sponsorship of the
various events and activities which are a part of what we call "Gay Rodeo".
For more information, visit www.igra.com.
