Hockey Australia receives Pride in Sport Silver Tier status
Hockey was one of the major recipients at the annual Pride in Sport Awards held on Tuesday night in Sydney.
Reid Smith from the Perth Pythons Hockey Club received the LGBTQ Out Role Model Award, while Hockey Australia (HA) and Hockey Victoria were both recognised as Silver Tier organisations by the Pride in Sport Index.
Adding to the significance of being named a Silver Tier sport is that this is only Hockey Australia’s second year as a member of Pride in Sport and participating in the Pride in Sport Index.
The LGBTQ Out Role Model Award at the Pride In Sport Awards goes to Reid Smith (@reidingimages) from the Perth Pythons Hockey Club (@perthpythonshockey)! #PrideInSport #PSI2021 pic.twitter.com/6CgTgwnRVB
— Pride in Sport Australia (@PrideinSportAU) April 13, 2021
"Receiving this award means a great deal to me,” said Smith.
“It's incredibly affirming and provides me with a lot of motivation to continue promoting diversity and inclusion for hockey and sport more generally.
“I'm a passionate hockey fan so to be part of this positive movement within the sport brings me a great deal of pride and joy."
"Growing up, there was a real lack of out LGBTQ role models for young athletes to look up to. While I may not be an elite player, I really do hope that I can help ensure the next generation will grow up without the fears, self doubt and prejudices that can prevent someone from reaching their full potential."
Hockey Australia GM - Strategy & Game Development Michael Johnston and HA Board Member Mary Konstantopoulos were in attendance and were delighted to learn of HA’s Silver Tier status.
“We are incredibly proud that Hockey Australia and Hockey Victoria have been acknowledged in this way,” said Johnston.
“Only nine organisations were given a Silver Tier or higher, and for two of these to be from hockey is a tremendous achievement.
“This recognition, coupled with Reid (Smith) being awarded the Out Athlete of the Year highlights the inclusive nature of our sport and not only shows the great steps being taken at all levels but the opportunity to continue doing more work in this space.”
What an effort from hockey!! So incredibly proud to be part of the hockey family and a sport where diversity and inclusion is central to what we do. 🌈 Well done to the other organisations too!’ pic.twitter.com/Je5M1bGztw
— LadiesWhoLeague (@LadiesWhoLeague) April 13, 2021
The Pride in Sport Index is an initiative of the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Sports Commission that reflects commitment to LGBTQ inclusion practice in sport.
Each year, participating sports/clubs need to submit evidence against an established baseline criterion which measures best practice.
