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ACT to tackle homophobia in sport

By on May 17, 2012

The ACT’s Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister, Andrew Barr, has announced the creation of a new program to tackle homophobia in the territory’s sporting clubs.

The announcement was made today to mark International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).

The two-year program will be run by ACT Sport and Recreational Services in cooperation with the ACT Human Rights Commission. It will develop resources to assist clubs to foster a culture of inclusiveness and to respond to discrimination when it occurs.

The initiative, modelled on Victoria’s Fair Go, Sport program, will be piloted in the ACT’s hockey and volleyball clubs.

“As we all know, it is important to be active for both our physical and mental wellbeing,” Barr said.

“Being part of a sporting club is a great way to achieve this and we need to do all that we can to ensure that every club provides a welcoming and inclusive environment.

“It is great to see that Hockey ACT and Volleyball ACT have both jumped on board and will work with Sport and Recreation Services to deliver a pilot program beginning later this year.”

The ACT Government has provided $272,000 to fund the program and will employ a full-time project officer.

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