Islanders encouraged to wear rainbow laces, headbands and sweatbands to support Pride in Sport

The campaign, which continues to be sponsored by EY for the fifth year, aims to continue to raise awareness about discrimination, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in sport, as well as the challenges and barriers that prevent members of the LGBTQ+ community from feeling safe and included in sports.

EY have sponsored the cost of the rainbow laces, sweatbands and headbands, which can be collected free of charge from Jersey Sport (FB Fields) or EY (Liberation House, Castle Street) Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm, throughout September, as well as from the Jersey Sport stand in the Pride Village on Saturday, 16 September. This year’s campaign builds upon the success of the Pride in Sport campaign launched in Guernsey earlier this summer to coincided with the Island Games. Everyone is encouraged to share their photos wearing their rainbow merchandise with pride on social media using #PrideInSport.

Francis Malaspina, EY’s Assurance Partner, explains why it’s so important for EY to continue their support of Pride in Sport:

“We’re proud to be continuing our support of Pride in Sport. Sport is one of the greatest ways to unite people, whether that be as an athlete or spectator and should be inclusive to everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality or how a person identifies. This is only truly possible when a safe space is created, both on and off the track or playing field. Over the years we have seen a huge number of local clubs, sports teams and sporting events taking part and showing their support and unity with the LGBTQ+ community and hope to see even more people taking apart again this year.”

Catriona McAllister, CEO at Jersey Sport said: “Sport should be for everyone, but sadly there are some groups for whom significant barriers to participation in sport still exist. Changing this requires all of us to understand what we can do to make our sports organisations, teams, schools and associations more inclusive. We have a range of free resources available on our website at jerseysport.je/jersey-pride-in-sport to help organisations make sport inclusive and welcoming for everyone, and offer equality, diversity and inclusion workshops throughout the year. This September, we’re asking the Jersey sporting community to GET INVOLVED and show their support for Pride in Sport!”

Christian May, CI Pride Director, said: “Liberate and Channel Islands Pride are delighted that EY are continuing as proud sponsors of the Pride in Sport campaign. By encouraging local athletes and spectators to show their pride and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, we send a resounding message that discrimination, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia have no place in sports. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel safe, respected, and fully included in the world of sports.”

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This news release has been issued by EY Channel Islands.