Today, on 28 August, we celebrate Diversity in Sport Day worldwide. The inaugural annual event celebrates trailblazers, triumphs and milestones in sport, motivates others to set new standards of inclusion, and advocates for universal equity in sport and society at large.
“Diversity in Sport means different things to different people. Be it a 99-year-old African-American great-great-grandmother runner or an HIV-positive swimmer setting Masters world records; an athlete-veteran marching into their first Invictus Games; the first figure skater from your country to compete in Olympic finals; one of the most decorated athletes in Special Olympics history, or athletes competing openly as their true selves. Diversity in Sport Day is an international campaign that relies on local efforts to promote full equity and participation for all,” said Shamey Cramer, Founder, and Co-chair of the initiative.
28 August has been chosen to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Opening Ceremony for the inaugural Gay Games that took place on that day in 1982. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX; and 28 August 2024 will be the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Summer Paralympic Games. Each of these milestones uses sport and culture to address issues of discrimination and ensure sport is inclusive, regardless of ability or identity.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN SPORT
Every organisation and individual involved with Diversity in Sport Day will be able to promote and celebrate this day in whatever form best suits their needs: be it strictly to show support through an online, social media campaign; host a registration party for an upcoming event; conduct a registration drive, or launch a new fundraising campaign, said the organiser. West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Sepi Shyne will present the City of West Hollywood Proclamation officially declaring 28 August 2022 as Diversity in Sport Day at 5pm at HiTops Bar in West Hollywood, California.
“Commemorating a day that celebrates diversity in sport allows us to create a multiverse of individuals, organisations and events who promote diversity, inclusion and equity,” added Cramer. “To have this proclamation presented by Councilmember Shyne, the first and only out LGBTIQ+ member of the Iranian community elected to public office anywhere in the world, represents everything Diversity in Sport Day stands for.”
The proclamation caps a day of celebrations for the first-ever Diversity in Sport Day. HiTops and the West Hollywood Soccer Club are also hosting a 1982-style tea dance, from 4-6pm to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Gay Games Opening Day and honour local LGBTQ+ sports organisations.
INCLUSION FOR ALL IN SPORTS
Support for the inaugural Diversity in Sport Day has poured in from voices around the US. The passion project of a few resonates with many who believe in the importance of inclusion. Women in Soccer, a community of women and allies united by the inclusive spirit of soccer, is one organisation that went above and beyond to support Diversity in Sports Day. Additionally, women journalists, and journalists of colour, contributed to this cause, sharing the global message of representation.
“As a Black woman sports journalist, I know the importance of representation as well as the need for diverse perspectives,” stated Diversity in Sports Day co-chair, Tracey Savell Reavis. “This is a day to celebrate dreamers, and to recognise inclusion for all in sport–on and off the playing field.”
The inaugural Diversity in Sport Day also features an Instagram campaign to spread the initiatives’ message to celebrate equity in sport and society at large. Check out the website for more information.
2022 Diversity in Sports mentoring and development programme launched to help accelerate under-represented talent across the sports industry. Click here to read more.
Sign up for our newsletter
