PRIDE ROUND TO CELEBRATE DIVERSITY WITHIN THE AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE COMMUNITY
Published Tue 06 Feb 2024
Following a blockbuster first fortnight of competition in the Australian Waterpolo League, the season is set to heat up even further with the community coming together in celebration of Pride Round this weekend.
More than 20 games will take place across the week, with the majority being played on Saturday and Sunday during the official round which will celebrate the diversity of the water polo community as well as the values of acceptance, respect and equality.
For three-time Olympian and returning Head Coach of the Victorian Phoenix, Rowie Webster, seeing the Australian water polo community come together in support of the round is a proud moment.
“Pride Round is really close to my heart as I’m a member of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Webster.
“It’s about support, it’s about respect, it’s about love, it’s about equality. It’s about creating a safe space because water polo is a sport for everyone and everyone deserves to feel part of the community.
“It’s unbelievably important for people to have a safe space because the statistics are against a lot of people in the community.
“It’s a priority for us to make sure everyone is safe, no matter your race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. This round is especially important and it’s great to see the whole community coming together and showing their support,” said Webster.
This weekend, teams will wear Pride Caps in support. In addition, some venues will feature Pride curtain raiser games and ‘come and try’ sessions targeted at the LGBTIQ+ community.
Webster is thrilled to see the round return for another year.
“Initiatives like Pride Round highlight the fact that we’re really thinking deeply about our diverse community and the positive impact they have on our sport.
“It’s a really great showcase of that collaboration and commitment towards a safer and continued learning journey and it’s also a great way to highlight what water polo is doing to be inclusive in this space.
“Just starting that conversation is really healthy,” she said.
To view a list of fixtures for this weekend and catch up on the results so far this season, click HERE.
Two games will be broadcast LIVE this Saturday February 10 from Caulfield Grammar School in Melbourne:
5:15pm (AEST) - Victorian Phoenix v ACU Cronulla Sharks (Women)
6:30pm (AEST) - Victorian Phoenix v ACU Cronulla Sharks (Men)
To watch the live stream, click HERE.
