Six high-performance athletes will mingle with guests at IGLTA Foundation fundraising benefit in Toronto, 11 May

TORONTO (10 April 2018)—Voyage, the signature fundraising event for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association’s philanthropic Foundation, will have added luster this year thanks to the attendance of a special group of LGBTQ+ and ally Team Canada athletes and Olympians: Rosie Cossar (rhythmic gymnastics); Dylan Moscovitch (figure skating); Brock McGillis and Ben Scrivens (ice hockey); Jenn Minchin (curling); and Katherine McLeod (trampoline). All are #OneTeam ambassadors, a Canadian Olympic Committee Program that promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion and respect in schools and sport throughout the country.

“We are honored to have distinguished Team Canada athletes that are LGBTQ-identified and allies in attendance at Voyage,” says Gary Murakami, CMP, CMP, Chair of the IGLTA Foundation Board of Directors. “These accomplished athletes and their level of commitment and spirit for their sport and country are an inspiration and will add amazing energy to the evening as we celebrate welcoming travel for all.”

The Team Canada athletes are joining the event in support of Dean Nelson, Founder of Pride House, who will receive IGLTA’s Pioneer Award during Voyage. Modeled after a traditional Olympic hospitality house, Pride House provides a safe space to welcome LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and their allies during large-scale international sporting events.

"It is such an honor to see Dean Nelson receive this award for all of the incredible work he has done for the LGBTQ+ community and specifically for LGBTQ+ athletes and sport fans,” said Cossar, who represented Canada as a rhythmic gymnast in the 2012 Summer Olympics. “Pride House has been an organization that gave me hope as an athlete and continues to be a force that moves sport inclusion forward at an international level."

Voyage, an elegant event to benefit IGLTAF, will be held during IGLTA’s 35th Anniversary Global Convention in Toronto, but conference registration is not required.

  • When: 11 May, 2018, 6:30-10:30pm
  • Where: Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St W, Toronto
  • Featuring: Silent auction with fantastic travel packages, cocktails, a networking dinner, and the IGLTA Honors, presented with the support of Visit Philadelphia, to celebrate those who have improved the global landscape of LGBTQ+ tourism.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit iglta.org/voyage.

The IGLTAF extends a special thank you to its Founding Partner, Delta Air Lines; Voyage Presenting Sponsor, Disney Destinations; Voyage Host Sponsor, the Fairmont Royal York; Voyage Sponsor, Visit West Hollywood.

 

About IGLTA & The IGLTA Foundation

IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ tourism and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The IGLTA Foundation supports the mission of IGLTA and its membership with a focus on education, research and developing future leaders in LGBTQ+ tourism. IGLTA membership includes LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 75 countries. For more information: iglta.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.