Ash Bolt
Geelong will play host to the Pride Cup this weekend, celebrating LGBTI+ inclusion in cricket.
The tournament will see the South Barwon, Collendina, East Belmont, Lethbridge, North Geelong and Lara cricket clubs compete at South Barwon Reserve on Sunday to claim the Pride Cup.
The tournament, which is supported by the UK Government, will also feature a curtain-raiser playing on the Ashes rivalry, which will feature local MPs Andy Meddick and Christine Couzens, Pride Cup chair Holly Ransom and LGBTI+ community leaders from across the state.
“Pride Cup is extremely proud to be partnering with the UK Government to help change the landscape of LGBTI+ inclusion in sport and make cricket everyone’s game,” Pride Cup chief executive James Lolicato said.
“We know that sport is a human right and everybody deserves a safe and equitable connection to a sporting club that accepts them for who they are.”
“Evaluation has shown how communities can change by hosting a Pride Cup, and the Barwon Cricket Association is dedicated to seeing those positive changes ripple across their league.
“Through running education, delivering inclusive activations and showcasing diversity, we can ensure LGBTI+ people are included and welcomed in our community sport clubs, which for a long time hasn’t been the case.”
Geelong Pride Cup organiser Jennifer Walsh said the game particularly important to increase LGBTI+ inclusion in regional sport.
“This Pride Cup event is incredibly important because it not only highlights LGBTI+ inclusion in sport, but also increasing LGBTI+ inclusion in regional Victoria,” she said.
“My teammates and our opposition players are so excited about taking part in such a positive, fun, and inclusive day of sport where everyone belongs and everyone is celebrated.”
The day will start with a Welcome to Country at 11.45am, before the curtain raiser at 12pm and the Pride Cup action from 1pm.
