U of Miami Honors Lady Gaga's Mom at OutGames Miami's Opening Ceremonies

On Saturday, May 27, Cynthia Germanotta, president of Born This Way Foundation which she co-founded with her daughter Lady Gaga, will be honored with the Champion Award presented by the University of Miami Health System during World OutGames Miami's Opening Ceremonies.

"The University of Miami Health System is committed to providing quality healthcare for all," said Thinh Tran, M.D., M.B.A., chief clinical officer and chief operating officer of the University of Miami Health System. "We are thrilled to rally behind this global event and to endorse the Champion Award because what it stands for mirrors our core values which promote unity and inclusiveness."

The event will be held on Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m. at The Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Avenue. The Opening Ceremonies will kick-off the 10-day event, making its US debut with athletes, participants, thought leaders and spectators from as many as 59 countries May 26 through June 4, 2017.

Born This Way Foundation, led by Lady Gaga and Cynthia Germanotta, was created in 2012 to help create a kinder and braver world by supporting youth wellness and empowerment. Working with leading researchers and young people themselves, the foundation strives to build kinder communities, improve mental health resources and create more positive environments -- online and offline.

"I am honored to accept this award as a symbol of the progress we are making towards our goal of building a kinder and braver world," said Cynthia Germanotta, president of Born This Way Foundation. "We share the World OutGames Miami's spirit of inclusiveness and the belief that communities will be strongest when we embrace each other's differences and celebrate what makes each of us unique."

Most recently, Born This Way Foundation launched Channel Kindness, a digital platform featuring stories of kindness as documented by young people around the United States.

"World OutGames is honored to present Cynthia with the Champion Award for her amazing work done through Born This Way Foundation," said Ivan Cano, CEO of World OutGames Miami. "This award recognition signifies our overall mission to foster unity and inclusiveness and it sends a strong message as the kick-off to this historic sports, culture and human rights event."

Produced by Jack Nolan & The Impression Group, Inc., the Opening Ceremonies will wow audiences featuring performances by dance music legend Kristine W, pop R&B singer and "American Idol" finalist David Hernandez and Miami's Latin icon, Tito Puente Jr. and his band. Attendees will also enjoy an amazing procession of countries with 59 nations on parade.

World OutGames Miami will also offer a plethora of sporting events such as swimming, soccer, track, dance, volleyball and more. Athletes with skill levels ranging from beginner to competitive, will arrive at World OutGames Miami ready to challenge themselves physically at venues across Miami-Dade County.

The 4th Global LGBTQI Human Rights Conference, a three-day event held May 26-29, will offer a world view of human rights with representation from Brazil, Cuba, Canada, Miccosukee Reservation, St. Lucia, Thailand, Tonga, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela and others.

The 10-day event will also offer a variety of cultural exchanges, including PULSE POINTS, an artistic response to the Orlando massacre at Pulse Nightclub from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 1. World OutGames Main Village at Lummus Park, Miami Beach's oceanfront park, will also host activities, vendors and entertainment offerings.

World OutGames Miami is made possible through the support of adidas, the City of Miami Beach, Florida Sports Foundation, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, Coca-Cola, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bacardi, Happy Copenhagen, the University of Miami Health System, Limitless Production Services, Inc., Arts & Business Council of Miami, the International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights, Miami Sports, Hotspots Media Group, OutClique, South Florida Gay News, 93.9 MIA and additional contributions from many individuals and businesses.

World OutGames Miami is funded in part by a grant from the City of Miami Beach, along with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

In the spirit of true inclusiveness, World OutGames Miami is open to all, regardless of sexual orientation. For more information or to register for the Global Human Rights Conference (May 26-29) or attend any of the cultural or sports events, visit outgames.org.