Pride Round headlines showcase for Wheelchair Football
The Robert Rose Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) is set for a milestone moment this weekend when the competition celebrates its inaugural Pride Round at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
The showcase round of Wheelchair Football will take place on Sunday 14 August and will see all five of the Senior VWFL teams (Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Richmond, St Kilda) play off in a series of Pride Round matches which will be live streamed via the VWFL Facebook.
Victorian Wheelchair Football League
Pride Round Showcase - Round 12 - Sunday the 14th of August
- 10:15am - Richmond vs Hawthorn
- 11:15am - St Kilda vs Collingwood
- 12:35pm - Essendon vs Richmond
- 1:35pm - St Kilda vs Hawthorn
The Pride Round will see players wearing rainbow socks and wristbands during games and all supporters and attendees are encourage to get into the Pride spirit with a $200 Coles Voucher on offer for the best-dressed.
Ex-VWFL player, Grant Maynard, will be the guest speaker for the event and will share his AFL Wheelchair experience and lived experience as a queer man.
The event will also feature face painting and other activations and will be supported by Pride Cup will be who earlier this month provided LGBTQI+ education to almost 60 online participants.
Richmond Football Club Social Impact and Sustainability Manager, Rita Nehme, said it was an exciting moment for the VWFL to participate in its first Pride Round.
"When utilised to its full potential, sport is a space of celebration, belonging, connection, and inspiration."
"The inaugural VWFL Pride Round is an important step to make football, and sports in general, a space for everyone. We are very excited to participate in this Pride Round, which acknowledges the intersectionality, richness, and diversity of our society."
Richmond captain, Chris Henderson, said "To acknowledge our rainbow family across our broader Richmond family is so important."
"It is important not only during Pride Round when we will celebrate and enjoy everyone, but also every weekend. Our Rainbow family help to make our lives better, more loving, and more supportive, which is an amazing thing."
On Sunday, the VWFL will also host the second of its Junior Wheelchair Programs as it looks to introduce the game to younger players.
The Junior Programs are designed for players aged 16 and under and will introduce the basic skills of the game and give the participants the chance to meet the players involved in the Senior league.
The VWFL Junior Program will begin at 11:00am at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
To learn more about the VWFL and AFL Victoria Inclusion initiatives, head to AFL Victoria | Inclusion.
