CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.
Hours before the 2021 NFL Draft begins in downtown Cleveland on Thursday night, two of the Cleveland Browns owners will appear at a first of its kind event at Progressive Field.
Aiming to "provide a platform to celebrate themes of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and demonstrate the power of sport to be a catalyst for positive change," the Cleveland Power of Sport Summit will kick off on Thursday afternoon. Browns owners Dee Haslam and J.W. Johnson will be on hand for the first day of festivities, with Haslam taking part in a panel that summarizes the “Stay in the Game!” Network’s successes and goals at noon and Johnson participating in a discussion about addressing the digital divide at 3 p.m.
A full schedule for the three-day event, which is being held in conjunction with the 2021 NFL Draft and is hosted by the Cleveland Browns and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, can be found at https://www.clesportsummit.org/.
As a part of the summit local and national organizations will address topics related to adaptive sports, gender equity, LGBTQIA+ athletes, mental health and racial equality.
“We are excited to announce that the Cleveland Power of Sport Summit will take place in conjunction with the 2021 NFL Draft through the invaluable support of our community and Velocity partners,” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. “It’s our goal to extend the impact of these major sporting events within our community to create meaningful discussion and programs that showcase the power of sport.”
Added Vice President of Community Relations Jenner Tekancic: "With the NFL Draft coming to Cleveland, we as a community have a great opportunity to further advance important conversations and awareness about diversity, equality and inclusion, as well as social justice, through the Power of Sport Summit. Along with our partners at the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and many local and national leaders, we are honored to host this event that will hopefully spark meaningful dialogue and mindfulness in our city throughout the weekend and beyond for the betterment of all.”
Registration for the event is required and can be found here.