This month, Sky Sports is again helping to activate Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign which aims to 'make sport everyone's game'.
The initiative is focused on inclusion at all levels of sport for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), and it's supported all year round by Sky Sports in our capacity as a member of TeamPride, a group of businesses and organisations who help bring the campaign to life.
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Stonewall's head of campaigns Robbie de Santos says this year's activation across sport is all about the fans
Governing bodies such as the Premier League, the EFL and the RFU have already announced various ways in which they will again provide visibility, while several more have come on board this year from across the sporting landscape.
The message from all involved is clear - a pledge to tackle the barriers which make LGBT people feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in sport, and to take a united stand against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
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Olympic gold medal-winning hockey captain Kate Richardson-Walsh (left, pictured with her wife Helen) tells Sky Sports News why the Rainbow Laces campaign is so important
Here are some of the ways in which Sky Sports is backing Rainbow Laces in the coming days...
- From Friday, 'My Icon' returns with a Rainbow Laces theme, in a series of short films where LGBT personalities and allies from the world of sport - including football, rugby union, rugby league, hockey and cycling - share their stories. First up is the rugby union referee, Nigel Owens
- There'll be continuing coverage across Sky Sports News, Sportswomen and our digital platforms, examining the issues at the heart of the campaign and how sport is becoming more inclusive
- You'll be able to see interviews and features relating to LGBT inclusion on our Premier League, EFL and SPFL football broadcasts, as well as during our England rugby union double header from Twickenham on Saturday and other sports
- A special Rainbow Laces content pop-up bundle will be available to all Sky customers on their Q or standard boxes this coming weekend, including selected 'My Icon' episodes and the football drama WONDERKID
- Pitchside adverts, broadcast idents, social account logos and more - look out for extra colour provided by Sky Sports in a range of different places
You can keep up to date with our digital coverage of the campaign throughout the week at skysports.com/rainbowlaces - and remember to grab a pair of laces for you and your friends and team-mates!
