23 November 2019

Stonewall unveils 11 Sport Champions at launch of Rainbow Laces 2019 campaign

LGBT equality charity Stonewall has launched its Rainbow Laces campaign for a seventh year with a host of names appointed in various roles to help 'make sport everyone's game.'

They include trans athlete Philippa York, who is one of Britain's most successful cyclists, as well as Racing Pride Ambassador, Charlie Martin, who is bidding to become the first transgender woman to race at Le Mans.

Clubs around the country are also joining in with the campaign. The England Red Roses Rugby Union side will be turning rainbow for their game against Italy and other teams, including British Gymnastics, the British Horseracing Authority and England Netball are all getting involved.

Stonewall's director of sport, Robbie de Santos, said: "At a time when society feels increasingly divided, sport has this unique ability to bring people together from all walks of life. That's why it's so inspiring to see more and more sports come together each year to support Rainbow Laces.

"We can't just rely on LGBT people to make sports more inclusive - we all have to play our part. While wearing a simple shoelace might seem like a small gesture, for LGBT people it's a powerful symbol of acceptance.

"If you love sport and care about equality, then join us and take responsibility for making LGBT people feel welcome. The more players, fans, clubs and organisations that stand up for equality, the sooner we reach a place where all LGBT people, from fans to players, are accepted without exception."

The 11 people from various worlds of sport heading up the campaign are:

 Ryan Atkin (football referee), Tom Bosworth (Olympic race walker), John Dickinson-Lilley (Paralympic skier), Beth Fisher (sports reporter and former hockey player), Michael Gunning (swimmer), Corinne Humphreys (leading GB sprinter), Amazin LeThi (bodybuilder), Charlie Martin (racing driver), Huw Ware (darts referee) Lizzie Williams, (wheelchair racer) and Philippa York (cyclist).

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