The Town of Aurora has taken a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and equality in sports by partnering with the You Can Play Project. As the first municipality in Canada to sign this groundbreaking agreement, Aurora is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants, including LGBTQ2S+ athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, and fans. The You Can Play team presented a delegation to Mayor Mrakas and Council on Tuesday, July 2, highlighting the benefits of this partnership.
“This agreement symbolizes our Town’s dedication to inclusivity and equality in sports. By emphasizing the talents and efforts of our athletes and coaches, we can create a supportive and welcoming environment for all,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas. “We are extremely proud to take this step forward and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our sporting community.”
Kurt Weaver, Chief Operations Officer of You Can Play, added, “We are proud to partner with the Town of Aurora to support their efforts in making sport inclusive. This partnership will bring our 12 years of expertise in professional and community sports to Aurora, enhancing their initiatives.”
Here are the key points of this partnership:
- Emphasizing Skills and Abilities: The You Can Play Project focuses on a person’s abilities, work ethic, and competitive spirit, rather than their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. By championing these values, Aurora aims to build an inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected.
- Comprehensive Staff Training: The partnership includes robust staff training sessions to promote inclusion in sports. These sessions will equip coaches, officials, and administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to create a supportive environment for LGBTQ2S+ athletes.
- Policy Evaluation: Aurora will examine existing policies to ensure they align with inclusivity and support for LGBTQ2S+ individuals. By making necessary adjustments, the Town aims to create a more equitable playing field for all.
- Support for Initiatives: The partnership extends support to LGBTQ2S+ initiatives within the community. By actively participating in these efforts, Aurora demonstrates its commitment to fostering diversity and acceptance.
- Enhanced Support for Local Sport Organizations: The Town will provide additional resources and guidance to local sport organizations, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and respect.
- Education and Awareness: Starting in Fall 2024, educational sessions will raise awareness about LGBTQ2S+ issues in sports. Details about these sessions will be available at aurora.ca/SportWorkshops.
For more information on this groundbreaking partnership and Aurora’s broader diversity and inclusion initiatives, visit aurora.ca/SportResources.
