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Community Engagement

Thrive with Pride Program

To Thrive with Pride is to encourage respectful, educated, and inclusive communication between participants and Australian sporting communities

The longstanding initiative sees rainbow athletes and allies become ambassadors of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport while coming together online to share ideas, challenges and opportunities.

Para Jackaroo and AIS Thrive with Pride ambassador Serena Bonnell runs an annual rainbow versatility bowls event to promote the power of inclusion in sport.

Rowie Webster, Water Polo: ‘’As an ambassador I am hoping to create a safe environment for athletes, staff and students to feel empowered to discuss, learn and educate and implement inclusive behaviours and language within their sport.’’ Katarina Kowplos, Shooting: ‘’I'm hoping to get rid of the additional barriers that myself and other LGBTQAI+ athletes uniquely face through playing sport. In particular I'm aiming to have clear documentation in my sport for gender diverse athletes so everything is accessible.’’

The AIS has strengthened its commitment to creating a safe and supportive community for LGBTIQ+ athletes, coaches and staff by becoming a Principal Partner Member of Pride in Sport.

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