Campaign for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport returns

Anyone can wear the laces and sweatbands to show support, not just athletes

A campaign that aims to help LGBTQ+ people in sport tackle discrimination and feel included is back in Guernsey.

Pride in Sport has been handing out rainbow laces and sweatbands for people who want to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Charity Liberate has partnered with accounting firm EY so they can be handed out for free.

It said people in the community had found a lack of inclusion can prevent people from wanting to take part in sports.

This is the eighth year since the campaign first began

Ellie Jones, chief executive of Liberate, said: "When you look at the statistics of young LGBTQ+ people, they pull out of sport in huge numbers."

She continued: "Sports should be available to everybody and nobody should be put off by it just because of who they are and how they may then be treated."

EY assurance partner, Max Ellis, said: "It's only when people feel safe to be their true authentic selves that they can perform at their best."

Nicky Will, director of communications at the Sports Commission, wants all sports teams to put out the message that "being included in sport is for everyone".

Rainbow laces and sweatbands will be available at Beau Sejour, KGV, and Aztech Soccer.