Sydney Uni proudly host inaugural Pride Round

Photo courtesy of SUANFC media.

 

The No.1 Oval at Camperdown will be filled with colour this weekend as the Sydney University AFL Club host their inaugural Pride Round.

In partnership with Beyond Blue, SUANFC have organised an assortment of different activities to help celebrate the importance of the LGBTQIA+ community in the AFL.

Operations Manager at SUANFC, Jack Prato is thrilled at the opportunity Sydney University has to kick-start an important conversation.

“Pride Round is a celebration of diversity within our game, and a chance to promote acceptance,” Prato said.

“This is a vital opportunity to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and reflect on how we can eliminate homophobia from our society, particularly [within] sport.”

The club has partnered with their weekend opponents, St. George AFC to help raise money for Beyond Blue.

All Sydney University players across all divisions, including the NEAFL team, will be wearing rainbow socks for their matches this weekend.

Prato said the support from their opposition is pleasing.

“Our opponents St. George AFC, have kindly agreed to wear rainbow shoelaces to support the initiative.

“The money generated from sock and laces purchases will be donated to Beyond Blue.”

The initiatives around Pride Round won’t stop on the field, with the club organising entertainment and raffles to take place throughout the day.

Ben & Jerry’s have even donated 480 tubs of ice cream to be sold at the ground with proceeds from each tub – only costing a gold coin – to go to the organisation.

“At the Grandstand, there will be plenty of food, drink and entertainment with post-game presentations in the evening,” Prato said.

“Throughout the day, a raffle will be taking place, to help raise money and awareness of homophobia in sport.

“The day will come to a finale with a presentation from a guest speaker, reflecting upon the importance of social equality in sport, and in society.”

The celebration of Pride Round in the AFL Sydney competition comes after last year’s successful Pride Game in the AFL.

In August 2016, the match between the Sydney Swans and St. Kilda was a huge success with players from both teams wearing rainbow guernseys or socks. Even the umpires got in the spirit, swapping out their usual white flags for rainbow coloured flags. This year’s Pride Game will be in Round 18 when the Sydney Swans host St. Kilda at the SCG.

Prato believes this weekend marks an important opportunity for the AFL Sydney community to show its inclusivity.

“Sport is unique, as it brings people together,” he said.

“Whether it is to watch, play, volunteer or to simply socialise, sport forms the cultural centrepiece of many Australians lives, and we all have the right to enjoy it.

“We hope that through education and awareness, we can make a real difference in our local community and sporting code, by bringing attention to this social issue.”

The Premier Division game kicks off at 4.30pm and is the main event, but there will be games on beforehand. Sydney University’s Division One, Two and Four sides will all be in action, with the Division Four’s kicking off at 10.30am against the Pennant Hills Demons.

You can take part in the Pride Round celebrations at Sydney University Oval No. 1 tomorrow.