Taipans partner with Pride in Sport

For a second year, the CQUniversity Cairns Taipans will support the NBL’s Champion Pride Round and as part of its wider diversity and inclusion strategy, is pleased to announce the Club’s official partnership with Pride in Sport.

Pride in Sport is a national not-for-profit sporting inclusion program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations at all levels with the inclusion of employees, athletes, volunteers and spectators with diverse genders and sexualities. 

The Club is continuing their education and training around LGBTQ inclusion, and taking their diversity and inclusion initiatives to the next level.

Pride in Sport National Program Manager Beau Newell said: 

“The Cairns Taipans have embarked on a journey towards greater inclusion within their club for people with diverse sexualities and genders.

“This proactive step to become a member of Pride in Sport reflects their sincere commitment to fostering inclusivity among staff and fans alike.

"This partnership will enable the organisation to receive year-round guidance and support in implementing evidence-informed practices aimed at enhancing their inclusive efforts."

The NBL’s second Pride Round began yesterday, with Champion - the League’s official on-court apparel sponsor - recognising the LGBTQ community with Champion’s Pride Progress flag x ‘C’ logo to feature on all courts for the games.

Across the league, players coaches, and staff have participated in Empowering Allies sessions with Pride in Sport.

The Taipans will participate in three Pride Round games this season, with one home fixture at the Cairns Convention Centre on Sunday 21 January.

As it did last year, the Club will also be celebrating the NBL’s initiative throughout their game night activations and content, with a number of LGBTQ groups also set to be in attendance.

CQUniversity Cairns Taipans President Troy Stone said:

“Once again, the club will be participating in and supporting the NBL’s Pride Round. We look forward to any opportunity that celebrates the diversity in our community in a respectful way.

“The club has been in regular communication with Pride in Sport since the NBL introduced this initiative and we are really pleased to partner with another community-focused, not-for-profit organisation.

“We appreciate the support and guidance Pride in Sport have provided us.”

The Taipans will play the Illawarra Hawks tonight (tip-off 6:30pm) at the WIN Entertainment Centre before hosting the Brisbane Bullets on Sunday (tip-off 3:00pm) at the Cairns Convention Centre.