The World Games 2021 connects Birmingham businesses to opportunities with World of Opportunity program

The World Games is getting closer! The Olympic-style sporting experience–happening in Birmingham in 2021–held a kickoff event for its World of Opportunity program on June 19.

What is the World of Opportunity program?

The World of Opportunity program is The World Games’ supplier diversity initiative. It will connect certified, diverse Birmingham businesses to compete for contracting opportunities leading up to and during The World Games 2021. Business opportunities include transportation services, event production, security, sports equipment, food service, technology and others.

The kickoff event

The World of Opportunity kickoff was held at the Birmingham Crossplex. Attendance was originally projected at 300, but more than 450 attendees were present. Mayor Randall Woodfin and DJ Mackovets, The World Games 2021 CEO, were among the speakers.

According to Mackovets, “[The program] is intended to matchmake local businesses with our needs for goods and services that are vital to the Games. Our focus is minority, local, and women-owned businesses within the metropolitan Birmingham area.”

The event also marked the official launch of the World of Opportunity supplier database, where local businesses can register for future opportunities with The World Games 2021. Businesses can upload their portfolios to participate in The World Games’ procurement process.

“We want to create an opportunity of inclusion for our local small and diverse businesses. Not only is this event powerful, but what happens after is even more powerful.”

Marcus Lundy, VP at Regions and The World Games 2021 Supplier Diversity Steering Committee

What The World Games means for Birmingham

The World Games is a big deal for Birmingham–it’s expected to bring $256 million to our city! There are some big businesses involved, too–Alabama Power, Regions Bank and Protective Life are among the sponsors. In addition to the significant investment, The World Games is putting a spotlight on Birmingham and the state.

“We’re setting the world stage for who we are. We’re going to have a vibrant ecosystem across our state, but most importantly [in] Birmingham. We only have one time to get it right… to showcase who we are in Birmingham and the state of Alabama.”

Glenda Thomas, Southern Company supplier diversity manager and co-chair of The World Games 2021 Supplier Diversity Steering Committee

More about The World Games

In case you haven’t heard, The World Games 2021 will feature 3,600 athletes from across the globe competing in 33 sports, including gymnastics, wheelchair rugby, sport climbing, kickboxing and many more. The Games will take place July 15-25, 2021.

We’re almost exactly two years out from the event. Who’s excited?!