ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL: BREAKING BARRIERS IN SPORTS

Words by Emily Canon

More than just an athletic association (that many people don’t even know exists in Jacksonville), Stonewall Sports is a national not-for-profit sports league for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together over a love of many different sports.

In spring 2021 Jacksonville’s local chapter gave people a place to meet others during the COVID slow-down and has been growing ever since. Stonewall Sports offers multiple different sports each season including kickball, cornhole, dodgeball, volleyball and billiards.

Stonewall’s main purpose besides sports is giving back to the community that supports them. Each season they choose a beneficiary for their fundraising efforts, having raised more than $100,000 in three years. Each season the group hosts cleanups, givebacks and events including stuff -

ing backpacks for underprivileged children in the community. In its first year of operation, the Jacksonville chapter received the Stonewall Sports’ award for the highest fundraising in the nation.

Stonewall Sports is creating a safe community for all whether they played professional sports or haven’t touched a ball in their life.

At the beginning of each season they host free agent socials to allow new people to meet others and join teams so no one is ever alone. They also hold 101 classes for each sport to learn the basics and meet new people before starting.

“We want people to know that the community is out there, also it is not just for members that identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community but allies are welcome as well,” said Kasey Yaeger, director of operations for the Jacksonville chapter.

Kyle Stone, events coordinator for Stonewall Sports Jacksonville added, “It is also not only just playing new sports but creating safe spaces throughout the Jacksonville area that people have never found before.” says. Each season, events including socials, silent discos in conjunction with River City Pride and an upcoming cornhole tournament at Bold Love Fest, held at Daily’s Place June 15, allow members to get to know each other in more casual settings.

“People start coming to play kickball and end up meeting their best friends,” Yaeger said.

For more information on Stonewall Sports-Jax, including registration for summer leagues and special events, visit stonewallsportsjacksonville.org.