VANCOUVER – Patrick Roberge Productions Inc. (PRP) has been named Opening Ceremony producer for the ninth Gay Games, an international sport and culture event. The Opening Ceremony on 9 August kicks off the weeklong event in Cleveland+Akron, Ohio.
The 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation is one of the next major international Games to follow the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, which have drawn international media attention regarding equality and non-discrimination, particularly for members of the LGBT community.
The world’s largest inclusive sporting event, Gay Games 9 expects 20,000-30,000 participants and visitors from more than 65 countries. Previously held in cities such as Amsterdam, New York and Sydney, the Gay Games has built an international sport legacy on the foundations of participation, inclusion and personal best ™.
PRP is an award-winning show and content producer with more than 25 years of experience presenting high-profile international events, including the 100th Grey Cup, the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and the Opening Ceremony of the 122nd Session of the International Olympic Committee.
“We are going to rock the games with a ceremony filled with emotion and pageantry,” says Patrick Roberge, president of PRP. “We will feature the parade of athletes, the raising of the Rainbow Flag, as well as spectacular production numbers representing the region’s rich culture, talent and diversity. Cleveland+Akron will welcome the world to Ohio.
“We look forward to producing a ceremony that fosters an atmosphere where all are welcomed and celebrated,” says Roberge.
Gregg Levine, chair of the 2014 Gay Games Culture Committee, said, “We are delighted that PRP will bring their international games experience to the Gay Games in Cleveland and Akron.”
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 10,000 people from more than 60 countries expected to participate.
For more information, connect with the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation:
GG9CLE.com | @GG9Cleveland | Facebook.com/GayGamesCleveland
About the Cleveland Foundation
The Cleveland Foundation is the world’s first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $1.86 billion and 2012 grants of $91 million. Through the generosity of donors, the foundation improves the lives of Greater Clevelanders by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking and providing leadership on vital issues.
As part of its centennial year in 2014, the Cleveland Foundation is proud to be the first presenting sponsor in Gay Games history. The foundation’s support of the Games continues its long-standing commitment to social justice and inclusion.
For more information on the Cleveland Foundation:
ClevelandFoundation.org | @CleveFoundation | Facebook.com/ClevelandFoundation