MARTIN

SPORTING PRIDE LAUNCHES STRATEGY STATEMENT 2025 - 2027

I AM DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE MY NEW ROLE ON SPORTING PRIDE AS PR & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT LEAD FOR 2025/2026 AS WE LAUNCH OUR 3 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN TO THE PUBLIC.

SPORTING PRIDE, IRELANDS LEADING NONPROFIT ORGANISATION DEDICATED TO PROMOTING INCLUSIVITY WITHIN SPORT FOR THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY, PROUDLY UNVEILS ITS STRATEGY STATEMENT FOR 2025 - 2027. THIS COMPREHENSIVE ROADMAP OUTLINES THE ORGANISATIONS AMBITIOUS GOALS TO INSPIRE, SUPPORT, AND LEAD THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY TOWARDS ACTIVE, HEALTHY LIFESTYLES THROUGH SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

In a country where over 75% of people have witnessed or experienced homophobia in sports, and nearly 20% of LGBTQIA+ individuals avoid sports due to fear of discrimination, this strategy marks a pivotal step in creating a future where every individual feels safe, welcomed, and empowered to participate.

Aidan Walsh, Co-Chair of Sporting Pride announced “I am thrilled to introduce our Strategy Plan for 2025 –2027. This isn’t just a document it’s a call to action. We recognise the vital role of our 40+ LGBTQIA+ sports clubs across Ireland. Their dedication has created safe spaces that foster inclusivity, community, and the joy of sport. Through strengthened partnerships with Sport Ireland, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), we aim to break down barriers and open pathways for increased involvement at every level of sport.”

Co-Chair Alicia McConnell echoed these sentiments “Sport has the power to break down societal obstacles. Through activities, events, club development, and education, Sporting Pride strives to be a catalyst for change, tackling inequality in Irish sport and making it a safer space for all. This strategy is not just about participation; it’s about promoting health, building community, and celebrating diversity.”

Despite the physical, mental, and social benefits of sports participation, research shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals face significant barriers including low participation rates, homophobia from fans, lack of role models and homophobia from team mates. These statistics paint a clear picture: the sports community must do more to foster environments where everyone feels included and valued.

Since it’s founding in 2018, Sporting Pride has achieved remarkable milestones including supporting the development of over 40 LGBTQIA+ sports clubs nationwide, up from just 15 in 2018. Sporting Pride have developed partnerships with over 30 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), hosted 35+ events and programs in 2024, engaging over 2,000 participants annually since 2022, secured funding from major grants, including the Dormant Accounts Fund and the Tesco Community Fund, represented Ireland in international events like the EuroGames in Bern and Vienna and more.

Dwyne Hill, CEO of Pitch & Putt Ireland, shared “Collaborating with Sporting Pride has been transformative. We’ve not only strengthened our commitment to inclusivity but have seen increased diversity within our membership. Together, we’re making sports accessible to all.”

Flavio Santos from Bravo Volleyball noted “Sporting Pride’s support has helped us expand, strengthen ties with Volleyball Ireland, and proudly represent Ireland on international stages. They’ve amplified our presence and inspired more LGBTQIA+ people to embrace sport.”

A participant in the Learn to Swim Programme shared a deeply personal reflection

“Offering an LGBTQ+ safe space for queer bodies to enjoy swimming has been transformative. I felt completely safe and welcomed, something I never thought possible in sports.”

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

Sporting Pride envisions Ireland’s sporting community as the most inclusive in the world for LGBTQIA+ people. Our mission is to inspire, support, and lead the LGBTQIA+ community across Ireland to be active participants in sport and physical activity.

Sporting Pride’s strategic plan focuses on three core priorities; Leadership in LGBTQIA+ Sporting Events, Strengthening Relationships and Advocacy and Governance and Sustainability development. Sporting Pride will track its progress through increased LGBTQIA+ sports club membership and event participation, stronger partnerships with NGBs, LSPs, and international stakeholders, growth in funding to support inclusion initiatives and positive feedback from LGBTQIA+ participants and sports clubs.

The strategy aligns with key Irish government policies, including; National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027, Sport Ireland’s Diversity and Inclusion Policy (2022), LGBTI+ Youth Strategy (20182020) and the Healthy Ireland

These policies underscore the national commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion in sport.

Sporting Pride’s Strategy Statement 2025 - 2027 is more than a plan, it’s a promise to Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ community. A promise that sport can and will be a space where everyone belongs. We believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and transform lives. Together, we can create a sporting culture where every LGBTQIA+ person feels seen, heard, and valued.

Email: info@sportingpride.ie

Website: www.sportingpride.ie

Social Media: @SportingPrideIE

By Martin Murray