Paddle Australia is pleased to extend an invitation to members of the paddling community to join the 2022 Paddle with Pride events.
As part of the Pride in Sport Collective, working in partnership with Pride in Sport Australia, PA are excited to be taking steps to ensure our united paddling community is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for all.
The 2022 Paddle with Pride events will be hosted by four community paddling clubs across Australia, designed to introduce members of the LGBTIQ community to paddling. The come and try events will be free to attend, and will be held on the weekend of 15-16 October 2022.
Paddle NSW Board Director and member of the Paddle NSW Diversity and Inclusion Committee Bron Powell said it’s great to see Paddle Australia paving the way in this space.
“Paddle Australia’s participation in the Pride in Sport collective has not only highlighted LGBTQ inclusion in our sport but has also validated the discussion for members of our community,” Powell said.
“This year, with the Pride in Sport initiative, members of the paddling community have begun to be more forthcoming with their experiences and thoughts on how to improve our culture of acceptance, which has been great to see.”
“Inclusion events for the LGBTQ community are particularly important, as people know they will be supported – they know they can turn up to participate and will be accepted for who they are. There is simply just a culture of acceptance and inclusion at these events.
“I have been involved in paddling for about five years now and I have found that it has acted as an opportunity to switch off amongst other friendly and community-minded people.
“It’s important that everyone feels the social environment is safe enough to be able to get this enjoyment from the sport,” she said.
Further details on how to get involved with the 2022 Paddle with Pride can be found at the like here.
