Jennifer Pittorino
Lacrosse Victoria and Williamstown Women’s Lacrosse Club are proudly hosting Lacrosse Pride Night on Friday, May 19, at Fearon Reserve.
The Pride Night is part of the inaugural Pride Round for the Pride Cup movement, which is an established sporting event that celebrates diversity and inclusion in sport for LGBTIQ+.
Inclusion officer Fran Whitty said the club is wonderful in making everyone feel welcome.
“The club has a very strong sense of community, they are especially very proactive in their inclusion awareness to strengthen the community,” she said.
This is the first year Lacrosse Victoria is participating in the pride round, which Williamstown Club jumped on board with instantly.
“The club instantly embraced the opportunity to get involved , club members are great at making everyone from all walks of life feel welcome.”
“Everybody has someone who is part of the LGBTIQ+ community and we have all been touched by the clubs openness and acceptedness,” Ms Whitty said.
For $10 , spectators will be treated with a day of activities for people of all ages, kicking off with a colour run at 5pm, face painting, 2 lacrosse matches, and a pride party.
Mayor Tony Briffa will kick off the proceedings with a welcome speech prior to the start of the first game, which Ms Whitty said is reflective of a supportive council.
“Council is very proactive around inclusion, they run a range of training and info sessions for clubs on how to be more inclusive, which we have attended,” she said.
The Pride Cup movement acknowledges that LGBTIQ+ have historically faced barriers to enjoying team sports but the landscape is rapidly changing.
“I don’t play anymore, but from what I can see, a lot has changed in the last 10 years which is great to see,” she said.
