The Suncorp Super Netball League will celebrate inclusion and diversity during this week’s inaugural Inclusion Round.
The Round 8 matches will champion netball as a sport for everyone, with national inclusive causes being highlighted by all eight Suncorp Super Netball teams.
A 2023 Inclusion Round logo will also be used across Round 8. The logo, which includes all colours of the LGBTQIA+ Progress Pride flag, was created to highlight pride as a key inclusion initiative.
“Netball is a sport for everyone and we are excited to introduce Inclusion Round to the Suncorp Super Netball League fixture this year,” said Netball Australia’s Executive General Manager of Suncorp Super Netball, Events and Commercial Adam Richardson.
“We felt it was important to give teams the opportunity to celebrate inclusive initiatives that are important to them and their playing groups.
“While pride is a common focus across this year’s Inclusion Round, the league and the eight teams recognise the many inclusive elements that our sport possesses, and we look forward to being able to highlight our game through these lenses in the seasons to come,” Richardson said.
“Inclusion Round is part of our commitment to ensure Suncorp Super Netball is a community where everyone is welcomed and supported.”
The Queensland Firebirds and Collingwood Magpies will deliver their annual Pride Match in the opening game of the round, while Giants Netball are working with LGBTIQ+ group Proud2Play for their match against the Adelaide Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds held their Multicultural Round as their selected inclusion initiative at their Round 7 home.
The Melbourne Vixens and West Coast Fever will shine an aligned light on three inclusive initiatives highlighted by the theme “Everyone Belongs”, including the LGBTIQ+ and CaLD (culturally and linguistically diverse) community, and people with a disability.
The NSW Swifts will also focus on pride in their game against the Sunshine Coast Lightning, having worked closely with Proud2Play to create a Rainbow Seating Bowl. Fans will also be gifted with their own official Pride Match seat cover to take home at the end of the game.
Every Inclusion Round match will be available to watch live on Foxtel and Kayo.
