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Party in the city where the heat is on, adidas is going to Miami this spring as they’ve partnered on with World Out Games. Making its American debut, the 10-day event which hosts both multi-sport human rights and cultural events will welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex athletes from more than 40 countries including parts of the world where homosexuality still remains illegal and hidden. All about inclusiveness, the World Out Games are open to all regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation and is an awesome way to celebrate diversity and connect people through athletics.
“We believe that through sport, we have the power to change lives,” said adidas North America President Mark King. “We believe in the power of sport and its ability to transcend differences and unite people around hope and celebration. Sport plays a critical role in our culture today and we can harness that influence to make real change for the world. We want to foster a culture in sports that celebrates diversity and provides a safe place for everyone to play.”
The World Out Games will offer activities ranging from beginner to competitive, in sports such as basketball, track and field, running, soccer, bodybuilding, field hockey, swimming, tennis, triathlon, volleyball and more.
In addition, World Out Games Miami will feature the fourth Global LGBTQI Human Rights Conference from May 26 to 29, based upon an exchange of powerful ideas among internationally respected human rights activists, researchers, legal scholars and trade organizations. This summit will also include array of cultural events like art exhibits, history tours, a poetry reading with renowned poet Robert Pinsky and a film festival. To culminate the festivities, on June 1st an artistic response to the Orlando massacre at Pulse Nightclub will take place, fusing dance, music, poetry and visual arts to honor the 49 lives lost.
“The endorsement and support of adidas is significant for World Out Games Miami,” said World OutGames CEO Ivan Cano. “adidas’ social and environmental commitment to creativity and diversity and its mission to be ‘the best sports brand in the world’ aligns with our goal to excel and achieve in all areas of athletics, culture and human rights. The adidas alliance will allow us to reach an even greater international audience seeking to champion and celebrate inclusion and equality across a variety of platforms.”
Pretty dope. For more information or to check it out, visit the World Out Games website. Big ups to adidas, the athletes and the World Out Games organization.
adidas received a perfect score of 100 in 2016 and 2017 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, which rates workplaces on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. While adidas has always celebrated individuality and fostered fairness, the brand in 2016 formally added a clause to its athlete contracts underscoring its commitment to its partners regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.
