Nike and adidas are fierce rivals in the athletic apparel world, with both having corporate headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Which makes it cool that companies have each decided to sponsor the world gay soccer championships in Portland, Aug. 6-13.
"It’s rare to see the three stripes and the swoosh on the same program, in the same stadium, or at the same event — but this tournament, this year, is a little different," said Kimberly Hadley, a representative of the International Gay and Lesbian Football Assn.
"So happy to be able to make this happen!" Quinton Hawks, Nike's Finance Manager for Global Brand Marketing, wrote on Facebook. "Great moment in the sports world for the two biggest sport companies to come together to support the LGBT community!! #BETRUE."
"We are thrilled that Nike and Adidas are both at the table for the LGBTQ community, for the nonprofit sports community, and for soccer here in Portland," said Max Wedding, Co-Chair of the tournament’s host committee and board member at the Portland Netrippers Football Club, a soccer club for Portland’s LGBTQ community and their friends.
"It just shows how sport and community can bring people together. This is a proud day for Portland."
The finals on Aug. 13 will be held at Providence Park, home field of both the MLS Portland Timbers and NWSL Portland Thorns.
The event will bring more than 400 LGBT soccer players from around the world and Portland is an awesome host city. The place is soccer-mad and has the perfect vibe for the event.
