Bears are tying the knot in support of the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Laces campaign at Saturday’s Vitality Blast game against Durham at Edgbaston.
Rainbow Laces has become a symbol of inclusion across sport since its inception in 2013 with more than one million people ‘lacing up’ over the decade.
Bears players will be wear rainbow laces, match stumps adorned with rainbow stickers, and the Club will be celebrating its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity with a special dinner in the Chair’s Lounge.
Players from Birmingham Unicorns – one of only three LGBTQ+ cricket clubs in the country – will be among the guests.
Captain Al Davies – who can often be seen sporting Rainbow Laces throughout the summer – is backing the campaign.
He said: “Rainbow Laces has been great to focus attention on LGBT inclusion in sport but it’s important to live and breathe this all year round, not just on one day.
“We have our Edgbaston for Everyone pledge which is our promise to make all visitors to Edgbaston feel welcome.
“I started wearing Rainbow Laces a few years ago in The Hundred…and never took them out. A few fans around grounds have noticed them and said how they were grateful I was showing support.
“If that’s just one little thing I can do push the campaign forward, then I’ll leave them in all year round.”
Warwickshire has developed a strong partnership with the Unicorns and last year teamed up with them to organise the country’s first ever LGBTQ+ cricket tournament.
The event returns to Sutton Coldfield CC on Sunday (9 June) with the Unicorns joined by Graces (Middlesex) and Leeds Kites plus three other sides who will represent First Class Counties.
Warwickshire High Performance Manager Paul Greetham, said: “The LGBTQ+ community is one that’s felt under-represented in sport but initiatives like Rainbow Laces, and the cricket festival in Sutton, are helping change attitudes.
“Last year’s LGBTQ+ cricket tournament was well supported with around 200 spectators watching some fun, competitive cricket. People were playing a sport they love and being their authentic selves.
“Leeds Kites have formed since last year’s inaugural event. The game is expanding in the LGBTQ+ community and hopefully increasing numbers will get involved and feel cricket is a sport for them.”
Buy your Vitality Blast tickets in advance & save
Tickets for this summer’s Vitality Blast are on sale now and fans can save up to £6 when purchased in advance.
Tickets available from just £22, while under 16s are only £5. And make further savings when you book as a group of six or more.
