Mission Statement
Gay Softball World Series 2011 Chicago, Inc. is the local host committee in charge of planning and executing the Gay Softball World Series(GSWS). A registered 501c3 entity, the organization is led by an 8-member volunteer executive board that is committed to hosting the greatest GSWS to date. We have been vigorously working on the planning of the tournament and numerous social events. We will proudly welcome the athletes and kick off the week with our Opening Ceremony at Navy Pier. The annual Talent Show, with all proceeds benefiting local charities, will take place on Wednesday, August 31st, at the Hyatt Regency OHare. The tournament will end with a Closing Party to celebrate the competition and camaraderie of the week.
Description
The 35th NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) is almost here! From August 29 through September 3, 2011, more than 165 teams, from over 40 cities across North America, will descend upon Chicago to play more than 500 games. In total, Chicago will host over 4,000 participants and fans, making the GSWS the largest annual LGBT sporting event in the world!
Series 2011 Chicago, Inc. is the local host committee in charge of planning and executing the GSWS. A registered 501c3 entity, the organization is led by an 8-member volunteer executive board that is committed to hosting the greatest GSWS to date. We have been vigorously working on the planning of the tournament and numerous social events. We will proudly welcome the athletes and kick off the week with our Opening Ceremony at Navy Pier. The annual Talent Show, with all proceeds benefiting local charities, will take place on Wednesday, August 31st, at the Hyatt Regency OHare. The tournament will end with a Closing Party to celebrate the competition and camaraderie of the week.
Beyond softball, the GSWS
- Showcases our amazing city and generates a large positive economic impact, estimated at over $5 million
- Fosters pride in our city and the LGBT community
- Encourages athletic competition and good physical health for the LGBT community
- Promotes self-confidence, self-assurance and community safety, particularly among homosexual youth, through educational programs available before and during the GSWS
- Raises funds for local grass roots charities (including Family & Children Network, Illinois Safe School Alliance, Howard Brown and others)
- Enhances and further develops corporate sponsorships for the LGBT community
- Continues the strong legacy of Chicago Gay and Lesbian sports and sporting events
- Strengthens and grows our LGBT sports leagues and associations
It will take the entire LGBT community and all its partners to successfully host the GSWS. Whether you are softball player, an athlete in another sport, a member of the LGBT community, an employer or a citizen of Chicago, we need your support. There are a variety of ways for members of our community to get involved, through corporate donations, local sponsorships, as an individual donor or by volunteering leading up to and during the week of the Series.
We cannot think of a better city to host this incredible event. The 2011 GSWS will truly transform our community and leave a lasting legacy. You do not want to miss out on being part of the Series 2011 team. We look forward to getting you involved!
