The Western Australian government have today announced a grant to support the Pride Sports Festival.

Over 2,000 athletes and spectators are expected to take part in the 2019 Pride Sports Festival in Perth this November, with the McGowan Government providing a $5,000 grant to build on the success of last year’s event.

The festival will bring 14 local LGBTQI sporting groups together to celebrate participation in sport.

Sports featured include hockey, water polo, rugby union, roller derby, touch rugby, tennis and Australian rules football.

The festival aims to increase participation in sport for people from all backgrounds and increase the confidence and resilience of LGBTQI sports participants.

Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray says the McGowan Government is committed to using community sport to engage Western Australians and improve participation across the board.

“Generally, LGBTQI people tend to play less sport than the general population, so anything we can do to promote the health and social benefits of participation is a positive step,” Murray said.

“A survey after last year’s Pride Sports Festival showed a majority of athletes involved felt it improved their confidence, and many reported that it encouraged them to join a club.”

Perth MLA John Carey says it was fantastic to be a part of the inaugural festival in 2018.

“The Pride Sports Festival is all about recognising and bringing together the large number of LGBTQI sports team that are growing in Perth, which are helping to build a sense of community and positive sporting experience for participants,” Carey said.

The 2019 Pride Sports Festival will be held at UWA Sports Park and HBF Stadium at Mount Claremont on 16 November 2019.

OIP Staff