First Platinum Sponsor Commits to Gay Games 9 Cleveland+Akron

CLEVELAND, OH--(Marketwire - Sep 12, 2012) - Gay Games 9 Cleveland+Akron announced today that Cleveland-based Renegade Brands and its product Sweat X Sports Laundry Detergent is the first $100,000 platinum sponsor for the August 2014 international event.

The announcement comes amidst a hub of activity to prepare for Gay Games 9, which is expected to draw more than 11,000 participants from around the world to the region.

Renegade Brands is the innovator of Sweat X™, the industry leading sports laundry detergent* that is specially tested and formulated to lift and remove the set in odor and stains commonly found in active wear. It's safe to use on all types of fabrics and even by individuals with skin allergies.

"We are proud to have Sweat X be the first platinum sponsor of the 2014 Gay Games. Our mission at Renegade embraces the philosophy and purpose of the Gay Games and so the sponsorship was an easy decision for our company," says Cathy Horton, founder and CEO of Renegade Brands.

Executive Director Tom Nobbe is thrilled to have Renegade join the Gay Games 9 team. "Renegade's mission is to create premium performance products while giving back to its communities so all can live a meaningful life. This dovetails nicely with the Gay Games, which were founded on the principles of participation, inclusion and personal best," he says.

With its first platinum sponsorship, Gay Games 9 is well on its way to creating a successful weeklong event in 2014. Among other recent news:

• Gay Games 9 debuted the Tom Waddell Society to encourage individuals to support the Games and specifically Gay Games 9. Dr. Tom Waddell, who founded the Gay Games in 1982, was an Olympic athlete who felt strongly that LGBT community members should be able to bring their authentic selves to their athletic endeavors in a safe environment. The Society received its first $100,000 pledge earlier this summer.
• The NAACP Cleveland Branch recently honored Gay Games 9 with a Resolution in Support of Gay Games 2014.
• Executive Director Tom Nobbe and Sports Director Rob Smitherman recently completed a successful two-week European tour to talk about Gay Games 9 to LGBT sports organizations. They gave presentations in Sofia, Bulgaria, the site of the Annual General Assembly of the Federation of Gay Games, the Games' international governing body; and then in Berlin, Cologne and Paris. Paris is also bidding for the 2018 Gay Games.
• More than 24 Northeast Ohio hotels have already signed on to host the thousands of participants and other guests expected for the Games in 2014.

About Renegade Brands
Renegade Brands, based in Beachwood, Ohio, is owned and run by a group of six athletes with unmatched experience, passion and integrity. Renegade Brands and its employees design and deliver the highest quality products that provide exceptional performance, while at the same time producing no toxic impact on the environment. The company is committed to living and executing its daily business operations in a manner steeped in Christian mission. To demonstrate that mission, Renegade Brands return to those in need, at least a tithe payment from total sales proceeds received from customers. In this way, we can live a meaningful life that, at its core, embodies fellowship and mercy.

Renegade is also proud to be a platinum sponsor for The 2013 Senior Games, The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, The University of Akron, The U.S. Soccer Development Academy at Pinnacle, The International Continental Cup, AFC Cleveland Soccer Club and The Pittsburgh Marathon. To learn more visit www.sweatxsport.com.

About the Gay Games
The Gay Games are an international sporting and cultural event held every four years. Launched in 1982, the Games invite participation from all competitors regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, athletic or artistic ability, age, physical challenge or health status. The Games also offer a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered participants. They are open to anyone 18 years or older. About 10 percent of participants are from outside the LGBT community.

Gay Games 9 will be held August 9-16 in venues around Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, in the United States. More than 35 sports and culture event competitions will be held, with more than 11,000 participants expected to join the medal race. For more information, visit www.gg9cle.com, www.facebook.com/gaygamescleveland or www.twitter.com/gg9cleveland.

Documents and/or Photos available for this release:
Gay Games 9 Announces First Platinum Sponsor for Global 2014 Event
Facts about 2014 Gay Games Cleveland + Akron
To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 337412