At an occasion celebrating the 500-day countdown to The World Games 2021 Birmingham, local organisers today announced two new corporate partners, as well as the recipient of the first major contract awarded through the World of Opportunity supplier diversity programme: LRY Media Group.
“Each one of our partners plays a vital role in helping us achieve the goals we’ve set for The World Games 2021, “said Nick Sellers, CEO of The World Games 2021 Birmingham. “By partnering together, we are ensuring that this once-in-a-lifetime event will be truly unforgettable for our city. The investment these companies have made in both The 2021 Games and the Birmingham community will resonate long after the Closing Ceremony – we look forward to working together to achieve the best athlete, fan and visitor experience possible over the next 500 days.”
“The World Games 2021 will truly be a milestone for the city of Birmingham,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “From the unprecedented economic impact, to the community programmes, to the world-class sports – this event will absolutely be unforgettable, and I look forward to seeing the results of our hard work over the next 500 days.”
New Foundation Partner ICON Health is the presenting sponsor of The World Games 2021 Sports Garden which will feature sports exhibitions, athlete interactions, and hands-on educational activities. All of these experiences will be open to the public at The World Games Plaza, and will focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging personal fitness goals and allowing spectators to take a look into the daily life of an athlete who competes in The 2021 Games.
ICON Health will also develop a Healthy Eating, Active Living (H.E.A.L.) Campaign for the State of Alabama, in conjunction with The World Games 2021 activities. The H.E.A.L. campaign kicks off Monday, May 25, 2020 during the 1st Annual Alabama 5k Run, Rock and Roll, a combined 5K Health Run/Walk from 8 – 11 a.m., concluding with a music festival from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., in the Five Points South District Area.
“ICON Health is thrilled to be a part of The World Games 2021 activities,” said Frank Lawrence III, founder of ICON Health. “As a native of Birmingham, I’ve searched for ways to give back to the city of Birmingham in hopes of making an impact on future generations. Alabama is fertile ground for new ventures in health, education, technology, and entertainment, and the world is taking note of this. The World Games 2021 represents such an opportunity and it is our pleasure to work alongside the City of Birmingham and the Birmingham Organizing Committee to make this event memorable for years to come.”
As a Premier Partner, Medical Properties Trust, a real estate investment trust that invests in healthcare facilities, is the presenting sponsor of the Children’s Programme of The World Games 2021. The programme will focus on the youth experience at The Games, which includes The World Games Plaza’s Kids’ Zone as well as children’s programming throughout the 10-day event. The company will also provide free admission to The World Games 2021 for children 12 and under with a ticketed adult and will facilitate daily athlete appearances at Children’s of Alabama.
“We are delighted to be the presenting sponsor of the Children’s Program of the World Games 2021,” said Edward K. Aldag, Jr., MPT’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Birmingham will be hosting athletes and spectators from around the globe for this unique, multi-sport event and MPT is excited to support this major opportunity for our city. We are particularly pleased to help the children in our community to experience and fully enjoy The World Games through the various aspects of our sponsorship.”
In addition to the partner announcements, the organization also revealed that Birmingham-based LRY Media Group has been awarded the first contract through the World of Opportunity supplier diversity programme. Through this partnership, LRY will manage production of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of The World Games 2021, as well as The World Games Plaza at Railroad Park.
“The Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony and The World Games Plaza will be our opportunity to establish the entire mood, tone and energy of this amazing experience. For me, there is no higher honor than being selected to be the author of those key attributes for The World Games 2021,” said Rashada LeRoy, President, and CEO, LRY Media Group.
“Rashada LeRoy and her team are literally going to ‘set the stage’ for this once-in-a-lifetime event,” added Sellers. “The Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony and The World Games Plaza will be a spectacular celebration of Birmingham and the entire State of Alabama. I’m confident that they will be a memorable part of The World Games 2021. And we are so proud that an organization from our very own community will be delivering these experiences.”
The World Games 2021 Birmingham will take place July 15-25, 2021 and will generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact for the city.
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.
