The finalists for the 2024 Australian Pride in Sport Awards have been announced with Squash Australia nominated for a prestigious Award.

‘Rainbow Racquets’ has been nominated in the LGBTQ Inclusive Initiative Award alongside projects delivered by Queer Sporting Alliance and Netball Victoria, the National Basketball League and Tennis NSW.

As part of Australia’s Pride in Sport Roadmap, the Rainbow Racquets Squash Network was created to provide a healthy sporting environment and a supportive community for LGBTIQ+ athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers, staff and supporters. 

The initiative contributes to Squash Australia’s commitment to make the sure the sport is a a game for all, where everybody feels welcome and respected on and off the court.

“It is wonderful to receive recognition for this initiative which we hope will continue to gain momentum,” said Robert Donaghue, Squash Australia CEO.

“There’s still so much opportunity and more work to do however we should be proud of what Squash is doing to foster an inclusive atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community,”

The Pride Open Australia tournament held during World Pride last year in Sydney along with the recent Rainbow Racquets Open were just two examples of the Network coming to life.

Throughout 2022, Squash Australia was a proud Pride in Sport Collective member, a coalition of 12 National Sporting Organisations, and on the 2023 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, Squash Australia launched its LGBTQ Inclusion Policy.

The 2024 Australian Pride in Sport Awards will take place on Tuesday 23 April 2024 in Melbourne.