Team GB show support for LGBT inclusion on Rainbow Laces Day
Wednesday 29 November 2017 10:12, UK
The British Olympic Association has pledged its support for Team GB's LGBT athletes with a special logo to mark Rainbow Laces Day.
Stonewall, the charity which runs the campaign, is encouraging people nationwide to wear Rainbow Laces on Wednesday to help 'make sport everyone's game'.
Of the estimated 56 out Olympians competing at Rio 2016, eight represented Great Britain - including the first same-sex married couple in hockey gold medallists Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh.
Nicola Adams also struck gold for the second time in her career in Brazil in the summer of last year. She is now engaged to be married to fellow boxer, the USA's Marlen Esparza.
Meanwhile, athletics' Tom Bosworth proposed to his fiancee Harry Dineley on Copacabana Beach, and diver Tom Daley has since married his partner Dustin Lance Black.
To show its pride in all its LGBT athletes and to help the Rainbow Laces campaign, which aims to make sport more inclusive for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, the BOA is changing its logos for the day across all its social channels.
Ben Hawes, Chair of the BOA Athletes' Commission said: "The British Olympic Association is a proud supporter of diversity in sport.
Team GB has had many LGBT athletes competing at the Games, and these athletes continue to do their country and fellow athletes proud.
"The athletes all buy into the One Team GB values, which builds a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of the team to compete at the summer and winter Olympic Games with the full support of their peers.
"Team GB has had many LGBT athletes competing at the Games, and these athletes continue to do their country and fellow athletes proud.
"They are fantastic ambassadors for their sports and the LGBT community, and we are delighted to support the Rainbow Laces campaign - one of the many important initiatives out there to drive inclusivity and positive awareness."
The BOA is encouraging Team GB supporters to share the updated logo and post their own pictures to social media using the hashtag #RainbowLaces.
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!
