KINGLAKE and Yarra Glen will show their support for diversity and inclusion in sport as they battle for the third annual Pride Cup on Saturday 16 April.
The Yarra Valley Mountain District Football and Netball League match between the 2015 finalists Kinglake and the undefeated Pride Cup champions, Yarra Glen, will be played at the Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve.
Pride Cup celebrates diversity and inclusion in sport for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI).
Now in its third year, the concept recently won a VicHealth award for promoting health through sport and has inspired the St Kilda and Sydney Swans football clubs to start a national Pride Cup.
Teams that participate in the Pride Cup receive diversity and inclusion training before the event by Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria, with support from Yarra Ranges Council, AFL and Netball Victoria.
A luncheon for league coaches will further spread the message of inclusion with speakers including Victoria’s Gender and Sexuality Commissioner, Rowena Allen; and openly gay Channel Nine News presenter, Peter Hitchener.
Pride Cup organiser Jason Ball says the concept and event was important in continuing to spread the importance of diversity and inclusion at grassroots level.
“Many young people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex self-select themselves out of sports like AFL and netball because they don’t believe they are supportive or inclusive environments,” he said.
“The Pride Cup is not just a show of support for the LGBTI community.
“It is about educating our clubs, our coaches and our players about the diversity and sporting talent that exists in our community.
“It is about making sure that our local footy and netball clubs are open for all.”
The third Pride Cup will include numerous football and netball games, ending with the senior football match at 2.10pm and the presentation of the Pride Cup at 4.30pm.
For more information, visit www.pridecup.org.au.
