Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 announces Marriott Bonvoy and YouTube as Platinum Sponsors

Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 has announced global brands Marriott Bonvoy and YouTube as their first sponsoring partners - pledging their Platinum Level support for the largest inclusive sporting and cultural event led by LGBTQ+ sport participants, artists, and musicians.

Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 marks the special 40th anniversary of the event and is expected to attract over 12,000 participants and 75,000 spectators from 100 countries. As such, the Gay Games promise to be a major event contributing to Hong Kong’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

Bart Buiring, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific advises “we are proud to be one of the main sponsors for the Gay Games 11. With Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 800 properties and 24 exciting brands across Asia Pacific, our doors are always open to welcome all. This sponsorship is just one way we showcase our long-standing commitment to celebrate diversity and inclusion, inspiring travellers to be their true authentic selves whoever and wherever they are.”

From hotel lodgings to shopping and local tourist attractions, the estimated economic impact of the Gay Games in Hong Kong is expected to generate over HK$1billion in the city. It will be one of the biggest events to be held in Hong Kong as the region begins to recover and move onwards from the global COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the hospitality and tourism sectors particularly hard.

Christof Wittig, Director of Fundraising and Partnerships adds “Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 is happening and we’re thrilled to have this first slate of internationally renowned brands joining this historic project.

“Their support speaks volumes about the values these partners stand for and the immense opportunity for Hong Kong, regional and global businesses to partner with the Gay Games.” 

Commenting on the anticipated substantial economic benefits, Stephen Phillips, Director-General of InvestHK, the HKSAR government department tasked to attract foreign direct investment shared “we are delighted to be a supporting organisation.  Of course, the economic benefits will be welcome. The participation of international companies and talent from around the world is a great opportunity to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of our city.”

Further supporting this sentiment, Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 Advisory Committee member Ming-Wai Lau, Chairman of Ocean Park, remarked that the Gay Games will be “a liberal and inclusive event in Hong Kong while contributing to economic and tourism growth”.

Founded in San Francisco in 1982 by Dr. Tom Waddell, Gay Games has become the world’s largest sporting and cultural event and is proudly organised and funded by the community, participants and commercial partners. The funds will ease the financial hardship for participants from across Asia and the world to join the Gay Games for the first time and make Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 the most diverse edition of the Games in its history.

“Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 is inviting the rest of the world.”, said Lisa Lam co-chair.

Dennis Philipse, founder and co-chair of the Gay Games 11 Hong Kong 2022 team added “The Gay Games Hong Kong's unique combination of sport, arts, culture, fun and community brings together diverse groups of people to experience moments of joy, creating unity and positive attitudes that will last a lifetime in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond under our tagline ‘Unity in Diversity’.

An increase in participation levels among youths (18-25 years old), women and transgender communities is one of the ambitions for the organisers.

Learn more at gghk2022.com/en/ways-to-support/