GymCan and You Can Play Team Up for Inclusion!
Gymnastics Canada Announces multi-year Partnership with You Can Play Project to Champion 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion in Gymnastics
August 21, 2024 – Ottawa, ON – Gymnastics Canada is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the You Can Play Project, a leading organization committed to ensuring safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to fostering a safer and stronger, more inclusive and supportive environment for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in gymnastics across Canada.
The partnership with You Can Play will focus on the development and implementation of comprehensive educational programs, resources, and training sessions designed to promote awareness and understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ issues within the gymnastics community. These initiatives will be tailored for athletes, coaches, officials, and club administrators to ensure that every member of our community feels safe, respected, and valued.
Key elements of the partnership include:
- Educational Workshops: Tailored training sessions aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ identities, challenges, and inclusion practices for all levels of gymnastics.
- Resource Development: Creation and distribution of materials to support clubs and individuals in building inclusive spaces and addressing any issues related to 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Visibility: Highlighting and sharing the stories of athletes, coaches and participants within gymnastics.
- Policy Support: Collaborative efforts to review and enhance Gymnastics Canada’s policies and procedures to ensure they reflect our commitment to inclusion and equity.
“Gymnastics Canada is thrilled to partner with You Can Play in this vital initiative,” said Dr. Kacey Neely, Safe Sport Director at Gymnastics Canada. “We believe that gymnastics should be a place where every individual can thrive, free from discrimination or exclusion. This partnership will help us ensure that our sport is welcoming and supportive of the 2SLGBTQ+ community at every level.”
“Our mission at You Can Play is to create a culture of respect and inclusion for all athletes,” said Kurt Weaver, COO of You Can Play. “Gymnastics Canada has been doing great work on making the sport open to all athletes, and we are excited to expand on those efforts and bring our experience to the project. Together, we can equip the community in and around gymnastics to welcome every athlete, and ensure the opportunity to participate in an environment that respects and celebrates their whole selves.”
This partnership aligns with Gymnastics Canada’s broader strategy to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of the sport. It underscores our commitment to taking meaningful action to support and uplift the voices and experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in gymnastics.
For more information on the partnership and upcoming initiatives, please visit www.gymcan.org or contact Dr. Kacey Neely at kneely@gymcan.org.
About Gymnastics Canada
Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. We are dedicated to the development, promotion, and growth of gymnastics for all Canadians, focusing on excellence, inclusion, and the overall well-being of our athletes.
About You Can Play
You Can Play is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the safety and inclusion of all participants in sports, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Through advocacy, education, and partnerships, You Can Play is committed to making sports spaces inclusive for everyone.
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Media Contact:
Katia Perin
comms@gymcan.org
Manager, Communication & Marketing
Gymnastics Canada
Kurt Weaver
kurt@youcanplayproject.org
Chief Operating Officer
You Can Play