Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, parent company of Commonwealth Edison, has become a sponsor of the 2006 Chicago Gay Games. A Games release indicated that the corporation has joined at the ‘Allstar’ level and will be a sponsor of the powerlifting competition that will take place at Northwestern University’s Welsh-Ryan Arena.
The Games are scheduled for July 15-22 and are expected to draw 12,000 participants and tens of thousands of spectators. ‘Exelon is proud of its commitment to diversity,’ said John Rowe, Exelon Chairman, president and CEO. ‘We welcome the opportunity to support the Gay Games, which celebrate both diversity and sport, and enrich the lives of so many.’
‘Exelon has stepped forward to support the world’s most important gay and lesbian event, set to take place in their home town this year,’ said Larry Kuhn, director of strategic corporate alliances with Chicago Games, Inc. the local host organization. ‘The Gay Games will provide an $80 million jolt to the Chicago area economy next year, and will shine a light on Chicago’s deserved reputation as a city that is warm and welcoming to everyone.’