Celebrating inclusivity in sport - Pride Sports Day On Sunday 22 June, the Sports Union held a Pride Sports Day at the Pleasance Sports Complex, aiming to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore and enjoy sport. The event was organised by Wellbeing and Inclusion Officer, Madeleine Bell, in collaboration with SlayFC, Active Lives and the Edinburgh University Karate Club.The free event featured a wide range of activities, from football and climbing to boccia and self-defence, and offered a safe, welcoming space to encourage people of all abilities to get involved in sport. The event was created to break down barriers to participation and highlight the importance of inclusion in sport. According to Stonewall, one in four LGBTQ+ people do not feel comfortable attending community sports groups and activities, and one in five report experiencing discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. That’s why creating a space where people can feel safe, be themselves, and enjoy sport together is so important. By introducing participants to a range of inclusive and supportive sporting environments, we hope to not only increase LGBTQ+ participation in sport but also help build new friendships and support better mental wellbeing. Madeleine Bell Wellbeing and Inclusion Officer, The University of Edinburgh Sports Union Pride Sports Day served as a meaningful step toward fostering a more inclusive sporting culture, one where everyone feels welcomes, supported and able to take part. This article was published on 2025-06-30
