The Sydney Sixers will host their first ever WBBL Pride Party themed game this Sunday at Drummoyne Oval, highlighting the club’s commitment to the inclusion of all LGBTI+ people from community to elite level sport.

The T20 game, that starts at 2:10pm, is against the Melbourne Renegades and is the WBBL’s first ever Pride game. The ground will be filled with rainbow flags and messaging that blends the Sixers iconic Magenta with rainbow colours.

In recent years the Sixers have developed a strategy that reaffirms its social responsibility to encourage others to be themselves, supporting clubs and associations to welcome and include those from diverse backgrounds.

The club has also begun working with key LGBTI+ organisations Proud2Play and Rainbow Families, many of whom will attend the game on Sunday.

Working closely with Proud2Play, the Sixers have planned a number of initiatives for the 2019-20 season including a Rainbow Families Come and Try Event, WBBL and BBL Pride Party themed games and Club & Association Education that offers all cricket clubs in NSW the opportunity to participate in an education session which will provide tips and tools to engage participation of LGBTI+ people in clubs.

The club is also working to develop a 3-year strategic plan in conjunction with stakeholders to inform us on current community challenges to remain relevant in the community.

Sixers Australian team all-rounder Erin Burns, who married her wife Anna earlier this year, said the club had taken a powerful position on inclusion, particularly when it came to the LGBTI+ community.

“I am proud to be able to play for a club that has made inclusion of the LGBTI+ community an important part of its fabric,” Burns said.

“To be able to celebrate this commitment to inclusion by holding a Pride Party at our game will encourage people from the LGBTI+ community to feel safe in attending.

“It’s definitely an important piece of social responsibility but also is sure to be a heap of fun with lots of colour and music.

“I can’t wait to see the Sixers continue to develop and implement their strategy in this area for many years to come.”

 

The Sydney Sixers game against the Melbourne Renegades at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday November 17 starts at 2:10pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids with a ticket. Match info and tickets: www.sydneysixers.com.au