CWHL PARTNERS WITH YOU CAN PLAY

The Canadian Women’s Hockey League and the You Can Play Project announced a partnership Thursday dedicated to ensuring equality for all of the CWHL’s athletes, coaches, staff and fans, without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.

The You Can Play Project will work with the CWHL to find new and creative ways to ensure that lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) athletes are ensured a safe environment, free from homophobic language and other actions that may contribute to athletes feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. The groups plan to work closely on a campaign to change and improve the culture of women’s hockey.

The CWHL is the first league to partner with the You Can Play Project.
“LGBT female athletes face a different set of problems than male athletes, but those problems are no less serious,” You Can Play Project president Patrick Burke says. “This partnership will encourage both LGBT athletes and their numerous straight allies to speak up for each other, without fear of recrimination from teammates, coaches, fans or sponsors. We are thrilled to work closely with the outstanding athletes who play in the CWHL to create an inclusive, safe environment for women’s hockey.”

Through its partnership with the You Can Play Project, the CWHL hopes to mobilize its athletes, coaches, administrators and fans to take important steps towards creating a safe environment in their arenas. “We are truly excited to be partnering with You Can Play on this initiative,” CWHL commissioner Brenda Andress says. “Our league is committed to celebrating and embracing the diversity of our athletes, staff and fans, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Our athletes are eager to get to work by showing their public support for this important initiative, and for their teammates.”
Jayna Hefford, centre for the Brampton Thunder, also welcomes the partnership. “As a player in the CWHL, this partnership between You Can Play and the league is something we can all be proud of. As the first league to support You Can Play, the CWHL will be a safe environment for all athletes, coaches and fans,” Hefford says.

The groups have discussed initiatives that include ideas such as athlete public service announcements, education training, and rules-based initiatives designed to encourage a culture of inclusion.

You Can Play Project representatives will work closely with league officials and players to custom-tailor initiatives to meet the unique needs of the CWHL.

Please visit www.YouCanPlayProject.org for more information.