Adidas, Nike Team Up To Sponsor World Gay Soccer Championships

"It just shows how sport and community can bring people together."

From: NewNowNext

Sports gear giants Nike and Adidas have teamed up to co-sponsor the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) world championships next month in Portland, Oregon, where both corporations are based,

“It’s rare to see the three stripes and the swoosh on the same program, in the same stadium, or at the same event — but this tournament, this year, is a little different,” said IGLFA rep Kimberly Hadley.

 “[I’m] so happy to be able to make this happen!” posted Quinton Hawks, Nike’s Finance Manager for Global Brand Marketing, on Facebook. “Great moment in the sports world for the two biggest sport companies to come together to support the LGBT community!! ‪#‎BETRUE‬.”

 “We are thrilled that Nike and Adidas are both at the table for the LGBTQ community, for the nonprofit sports community, and for soccer here in Portland,” said Max Wedding of the Portland Netrippers. Other teams include the New York Ramblers, San Diego Sparks (left), Seattle Scandal and the Twin City Jacks

“It just shows how sport and community can bring people together,” said Wedding. “This is a proud day for Portland.”

Both Nike and Adidas have upped their LGBT marketing in recent years, launching special capsule collections to coincide with Pride.

The championships will run from August 6 to 13 at Providence Park, home field of both the MLS Portland Timbers and NWSL Portland Thorns. More than 400 players are expected to participate.