Inaugural Sports Diversity Expo Debuts in Phoenix, AZ on November 5, 2011

Sports Expo
November 5, 2011
Phoenix, Arizona

At a time in history when LGBT college and professional athletes are finding it easier and more important to come out, Phoenix will play host to the 2011 Compete Sports Expo. The event, which is free to the public, will reflect diversity in its exhibitors, including sports equipment vendors, non-profit organizations, and an array of businesses which support both the straight and gay communities. With gay and lesbian buying power estimated to reach $835 billion this year, there are many businesses looking to expand their outreach to the LGBT community. In addition to vendor booths, door prizes, and a sports-themed film festival there will also be a Free Throw Contest sponsored by members of the National Basketball Retired Players Association and an international press conference.

The opening press conference will introduce Ben Cohen (scheduled to appear), international rugby superstar and founder of the StandUp Foundation that takes a stand against bullying. Also featured will be diversity ally Matt Fish, president of Phoenix’s National Basketball Retired Player Association (NBRPA) and former NBA athlete. Other surprises are planned.

The Expo is being held at the Sports Club at City Square in Phoenix on Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free but donations to the StandUp Foundation are being encouraged. Cohen is the first recipient of Compete’s Ben Cohen Ally Award that is meant to honor straight allies who are publicly supporting efforts to eliminate bullying and homophobia. The award will be presented to Cohen at the Compete Sports Diversity Awards held that evening at the Fiesta Resort and Conference Center in Tempe, Ariz. In total, the Awards will honor more than five sports diversity heroes, including 2011 PBA Rookie of the Year, Scott Norton.

The Expo is being sponsored by Compete Sports Media. Compete’s mission is “To Unite the Gay and Straight Communities Through Sports” via its family of sports media brands. Compete Magazine, Compete Radio, and CompeteNetwork.com. For more information on Compete Sports Media, its Sports Expo or Sports Diversity Awards, please contact Connie Wardman at 480-222-4223 or e-mail connie@competenetwork.com.

Twitter:  @competesports

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