The World Games 2021 Birmingham yesterday announced the kickoff of the World of Opportunity programme – its supplier diversity initiative, offering local, small, minority-owned and women-owned organisations the chance to be involved in current and future city-wide business opportunities.
The programme provides Birmingham-based, diverse businesses direct access to future work with The World Games 2021 in a variety of categories, including transportation services, event production, security, promotional items, merchandise, sports equipment, food service, technology, printing, medical supplies, event equipment, waste removal, construction services and more.
To support the World of Opportunity initiative, The World Games 2021 also unveiled its supplier database, an online registration system developed by industry-leader CVM Solutions. The database, which officially launched during the kickoff event, allows local, diverse businesses to register and receive direct access to future opportunities to provide goods and services. At the conclusion of The World Games 2021, the database will be provided to the city of Birmingham as a legacy gift to support future events and programmes.
“The economic impact of The World Games 2021 is estimated at more than $256 million, the largest of any single event in Birmingham’s history,” said CEO of The World Games 2021, DJ Mackovets. “As such, it is a priority for us that our local, diverse businesses experience that positive impact directly. We’re proud to be able to leave this legacy for the city, even after The Games are complete.”
The World of Opportunity programme was developed by The World Games 2021 Supplier Diversity Steering Committee, co-chaired by Marcus Lundy of Regions Bank and Glenda S. Thomas of Alabama Power, and made up of officials from the city of Birmingham, local business leaders and community leaders.
“We’re extremely proud to play a role in this important step for the city of Birmingham,” said Thomas. “Not only will the opportunities from this programme be transformational for local businesses, but it will also prove valuable for the city moving forward.”
The programme was unveiled at a kickoff event at the Birmingham Crossplex, which featured remarks from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and a panel discussion on the impacts of the initiative.
“Today was a milestone day for The World Games 2021 and the city of Birmingham,” added Mackovets. “We’re thrilled with the level of interest this programme has generated and excited for the opportunity to reciprocate the support we’ve received from the community – specifically from our partners at the city of Birmingham, Jefferson County, Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, State of Alabama, and our Foundation Partners, Alabama Power, Protective Life, Regions Bank and Shipt.”
For more information on the programme or to sign up, please visit TheWorldGames2021.com/woo.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.