CSFCleveland

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. http://www.gaygames.com/en/ http://www.games-cologne.de/