At a press conference celebrating the 1,000-day countdown to The World Games 2021 Birmingham, local organisers announced the first three corporate partners of the Games. Birmingham-based Alabama Power, Protective Life and Regions Bank will serve as Foundation Partners of The World Games 2021.
“One of the reasons we knew that The World Games would succeed in Birmingham is the quality of support of the local business community and its leaders,” said DJ Mackovets, CEO of The World Games 2021. “The Games will bring nearly 5,000 participants and tens of thousands of fans to the city, and be broadcast to millions more across the world, so the support of these partners will give us the opportunity to provide an exceptional experience to our visitors and to showcase Birmingham to a global audience.”
In addition to the three initial Foundation Partners, the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau and State of Alabama have pledged their support to The World Games 2021.
Alabama Power’s partnership will include title sponsorship of The Opening Ceremony of The World Games. The official introduction to The World Games 2021 and the City of Birmingham, the Alabama Power Opening Ceremony will be a colourful and entertaining celebration of sport, featuring live entertainment, special effects and a parade of athletes representing more than 100 countries.
“We are proud to join with the other Foundation Partners to support this exciting event,” said Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite. “Our city is the first in the U.S. to host The World Games since 1981, and we look forward to welcoming the world to Birmingham and Alabama.”
Regions Bank will serve as title sponsor of The World Games Plaza, a free, family-friendly celebration of The World Games. Open daily from July 16-25, 2021, The Regions World Games Plaza will feature live entertainment, food, sports demonstrations and ongoing coverage of sports competition.
“The World Games 2021 provides a unique opportunity to showcase Greater Birmingham on the international stage as we host athletes and their families, spectators and the many organizations needed to make this event successful,” said John Turner, President and CEO of Regions Financial. “Regions is excited to partner with the City of Birmingham and the local business community to support The World Games 2021 through a sustained investment that will produce a positive economic impact in the community we call home.”
As a Foundation Partner of the World Games, Protective Life will provide support to introduce the world to the athletes and teams that make the competition so exciting. They will celebrate participants from all over the globe, share their unique stories and backgrounds, and highlight the sports that are bringing people together. “As a company that has called Birmingham home for more than 110 years, Protective is proud to be a part of this significant moment in our city’s history,” said Rich Bielen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Protective. “Few things bring people together like sports, and we are excited to support our community and invest in its future by partnering with The World Games.”
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.
