GAY GAMES 9

COUNTY OF SUMMIT, OHIO

Russell M. Pry, Executive

175 S. Main Street Akron, Ohio 45308-1308 330.6432510 x 330.663.7507 www.co.ummit.oh.us

Dear 2014 Gay Games Participants, Volunteers and Spectators:

Welcome to Summit County, the High Point of Ohio.

Summit County is home to many attractions, including the Cuyahoga Valley National

Park; E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall; Blossom Music Center, the summer home of the

Cleveland Orchestra, and the world-famous Firestone Country Club. While you are in Summit County, visit the Northside District of Akron, with its collection of restored buildings, galleries and restaurants, on the northern edge of Downtown. And explore the very walkable Bighland Square, an eclectic neighborhood west of Downtown that is packed with unique shopping and dining options.

Summit County is proud of its ongoing efforts to change people's perceptions about the

value of the LGBT community to our region, including the passing of partner benefits for

our county employees. In addition, many Summit County corporations, small businesses, foundations and community partners have stepped up to show their support of the Gay

Games.

Finally, on behalf of the half-million citizens of Summit County, I would like to personally welcome all of our Gay Games visitors. We hope you will be able to experience at least some of the wonderful attractions our region has to offer, and then come back again for more!

Sincerely.

Записва

Russell M. Pry, Executive County of Sumanit

Dear 2014 Gay Games Participants, Volunteers, and Spectators:

Welcome to Summit County, the High Point of Ohio.

Summit County is home to many attractions, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park; E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall; Blossom Music Center, the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra; and the world-famous Firestone Country Club. While you are in Summit County, visit the Northside District of Akron, with its collection of restored buildings, galleries and restaurants, on the northern edge of Downtown. And explore the very walkable Highland Square, an eclectic neighborhood west of Downtown that is packed with unique shopping and dining options.

Summit County is proud of its ongoing efforts to change people's perceptions about the value of the LGBT community to our region, including the passing of partner benefits for our county employees. In addition, many Summit County corporations, small businesses, foundations and community partners have stepped up to show their support of the Gay Games.

Sincerely,

Russell M. Pry, Executive, County of Summit

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Dear 2014 Gay Games Participants, Volunteers, and Spectators:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Cuyahoga County, a proud sponsor of the 2014 Gay Games!

We are honored to host you this week, and hope you are able to experience many of the great things that Northeast Ohio has to offer. When not taking part in the events of the Gay Games, I encourage you to explore the attractions of Cuyahoga County from the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, to our vibrant food scene and nightlife, to our LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods like Lakewood and Tremont. If you prefer outdoor activities,

visit the shores of Lake Erie, including a chain of parks forming an "Emerald Necklace" across our region. You could even take a walk around Cleveland and witness the exciting downtown developments like the new Cleveland Convention Center and Global Center for Health Innovation, the reinvigorated Flats East Bank, and the extraordinary Playhouse Square neighborhood.

We here in Cuyahoga County pride ourselves in being open and embracing diversity. Our recent revitalization would not be possible without the new ideas and fresh perspectives provided by our many gifted residents. Diversity is truly integral to our history, and we are continually taking steps to better provide for all of our citizens and guests. That's why in 2012, for example, we became the first county in Ohio to provide domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. During your stay, I hope you are able to witness our progress as well as our wealth of ideas, talent, and culture firsthand.

Again, on behalf of County Council and our 1.2 million residents, it is my honor to welcome you to Cuyahoga County. It is my greatest hope that you will enjoy your time here. This is an exciting time for our region, and I am certain that you will find no shortage of warmth from our citizens or entertainment in our cities. Best of luck to all our participants! Sincerely,

Edward FitzGerald

Cuyahoga County Executive

Dear 2014 Gay Games Participants, Volunteers, and Spectators:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Cuyahoga County, a proud sponsor of the 2014 Gay Games! We are honored to host you this week, and hope you are able to experience many of the great things that Northeast Ohio has to offer. When not taking part in the events of the Gay Games, I encourage you to explore the attractions of Cuyahoga County; from the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, to our vibrant food scene and nightlife, to our LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods like Lakewood and Tremont. If you prefer outdoor activities, visit the shores of Lake Erie, including a chain of parks forming an "Emerald Necklace" across our region. You could even take a walk around Cleveland and witness the exciting downtown developments like the new Cleveland Convention Center and Global Center for Health Innovation, the reinvigorated Flats East Bank, and the extraordinary Playhouse Square neighborhood. We here in Cuyahoga County pride ourselves in being open and embracing diversity. Our recent revitalization would not be possible without the new ideas and fresh perspectives provided by our many gifted residents. Diversity is truly integral to our history, and we are continually taking steps to better provide for all of our citizens and guests. That's why in 2012, for example, we became the first county in Ohio to provide domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. During your stay, I hope you are able to witness our progress as well as our wealth of ideas, talent, and culture firsthand.

Again, on behalf of County Council and our 1.2 million residents, it is my honor to welcome you to

Cuyahoga County. It is my greatest hope that you will enjoy your time here. This is an exciting time for

our region, and I am certain that you will find no shortage of warmth from our citizens or entertainment

in our cities. Best of luck to all our participants!

Sincerely,

Edward FitzGerald, Cuyahoga County Executive

OF CUTAROGA

COUNTY

IT ALL CONNECTS HERE.

Tower City is conveniently located off Public Square in Downtown Cleveland. Hard Rock Cafe | Houlihan's | Lincoln Tap House | Morton's The Steakhouse plus more than 75 specialty shops, Tower City Cinemas + Horseshoe Casino towercitycenter.com

Forest City and Tower City are proud to sponsor the 2014 Gay Games

سلي

OHIO

TOWER CITY

CENTER FORESTCITY

Shops + Restaurants