UoB Athletics & XC Club launch new ‘Part of the Pride’ t-shirts
As part of recognising LGBTQ+ History Club, UoB Athletics and XC club partnered up with the Athletics Pride Network to launch pride inspired t-shirts.
The club kicked off their ‘Part of the Pride’ Campaign at BUCS Cross-Country Championships in Cardiff, organising a photoshoot to promote their new t-shirt range, wearing them both before and after the event.
The second part of the campaign took place at the weekend during the BUCS Indoor Championships, in which the club showcased their grey version of the t-shirt.
Andy Paul, Co-founder of the Athletics Pride Network shares:
When the Network was created, we considered our position and our role to be focused on opening up conversation and offering a safe space to be your authentic self, and we stand by this as so many people still face barriers to participation or indeed performance.
Equality is not defined by our beliefs, our religion, our parents, our teachers, nor our friends it is defined by each one of us as we are, by being who we are without prejudice based on gender, sexuality nor identity, treating each other with respect.
Joe, student Athletics Club committee member:
‘Over the last couple of years as a University we have become probably one of the best athletics teams in the country, this translates to BUCS event where we have a massive platform.
As a committee this year, we decided to use our platform to promote messages about inclusivity and equality. With Andy being heavily involved in the coaching setup in Birmingham we thought it was only logical to partner with the Athletic Pride Network, to help educate not only the Birmingham team but the wider BUCS athletics set-up about barriers, challenges and experiences different groups of people may experience in sports due to their race, gender, sexuality and political and religious beliefs. ‘
The club are planning to run another campaign in the Spring when BUCS Outdoor season begins – watch this space!
