Updated Statement Regarding the World OutGames Cancellations
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 PRESS RELEASE
Tonya Daniels, E-mail: tonyadaniels@miamibeachfl.gov
Melissa Berthier, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2017
Updated Statement Regarding the World OutGames Cancellations
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach is deeply concerned to hear that the World
OutGames has decided to cancel their Opening and Closing Ceremonies and sports
programming, with the exception of soccer, aquatics and country western dance. The
Human Rights Conference and cultural programming are still planned to take place.
City staff has worked consistently for the past several months to assist the event
producers with special events planning and permitting; fundraising efforts; relocating
events to low or no cost venues; assisting with local partners to provide support and
access; and providing financial support to cover police staffing costs. As a lead sponsor
of the event, the City also waived all related special event and permitting fees for this
event and provided cash sponsorship to the OutGames.
Due to the potential misappropriation of funds, the Miami Beach Police Department and
the State Attorney’s Office have conferred and are jointly opening a fraud investigation.
We remain very committed to our LGBTQ community, and the City of Miami Beach will
do everything within our power to ascertain where the failures within the event
organization occurred.
We are grateful to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau who will have a
representative at the National Hotel, the World OutGames headquarter hotel, for the
duration of the events to liaise with participants on possible alternative activities during
their stay, including discounted offers and local attractions.
We welcome the athletes, families, and visitors in attendance for the events still
scheduled, and remain honored to be chosen as a host city known for our unwavering
commitment to the LGBTQ community.
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