Want to learn how to be an effective ally? How you can be a more inclusive teammate? Join us for an interactive workshop led by You Can Play. The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion of all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and fans.

 

This workshop will help athletes gain tools and resources to help contribute to a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ teammates. This is an opportunity for athletes to learn about the experiences of LGBTQ+ athletes and how to be a meaningful active ally. 

 

Come with an open mind and readiness to learn! 

 

REGISTER to be entered in a draw to win 1 of 4 MLSE Fan Prize Packs! You’ll have a chance to choose from a Raptors, Leafs, TFC or Argos pack.

PRESENTERS

Davide Thibodeau 

David Thibodeau (he/him) is a former competitive swimmer and current swim coach. He competed at Canada Games for Team New Brunswick in 2013. He is an advocate for better inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in sports and gym classes. David founded Sports for Social Impact to explore sport policy and provide insightful analysis to those working in the sport industry. And he was selected as a Young Sport Maker for Global Sports Week in Paris in 2020.

Lauren McCarthy

Lauren has been a volunteer at YCP for 3 years. She played soccer competitively until University and has played a number of sports recreationally throughout her life. Lauren was the inaugural recipient of her company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion award for her years of effort to create and influence policy, programs, and projects to encourage everyone to lead with inclusion and work towards a more equal and diverse workspace. The positive impact of athletics has had such a huge influence on Lauren’s life and this is why she works with YCP, to work towards an environment where everyone has the opportunity to gain value from sports.

More about YOU CAN PLAY

The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans. We achieve this by creating a community of allies that is able to foster a true sense of belonging. This becomes possible when sports teams sharpen the focus on the person’s skills, work ethic, and competitive spirit, not their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

 

You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by developing a culture of respect, in every player, coach and fan.

 

To help support You Can Play, please donate HERE