The stage is set for our fourth Pride Match and we cannot wait to turn Ken Rosewall Arena into a Rainbow Bowl once again with the support of Principal Partner QBE Insurance.
Ahead of the clash with the Sunshine Coast Lightning on Saturday evening (5pm), here is an overview of why the Swifts host a Pride Match and the stories we will shine a light on this year.
- Saturday is not just about celebrating and appreciating the members of the LGBTIQA+ community who support us in the stands, but also the people from that same community who are part of our direct team here at the Swifts and about whom we care deeply. That is why we have chosen to celebrate Pride again in 2026.
- Netball grew because women were excluded from other sports, so the idea that the game we love would not be a safe space for all is highly disingenuous to its pioneering traditions and who the Swifts are as a Club.
- The Swifts have always been, and will continue to be, committed to ensuring there is a common understanding and appreciation among all of the cultures and communities that make up our Club on and off the court. Saturday's game is not about exclusion for anyone, but rather an opportunity to once again show that netball is a welcome place for all.
- As part of this week's activity the Swifts will do a session with Athlete Wellbeing Professional Ash Fong who has been instrumental in Pride Activites at North Shore United in the Netball NSW Premier League who have led the way at Community Level.
- The Swifts will also share the story of Patrick O'Malveney, lovingly known by Swifts fans as MopMan. A proud gay man who also plays and umpires netball, he will talk about what it was like growing up "different" but how netball helped him find his love of sport.
