The Sydney Swans and official Pride Match Day Partner HSBC have today unveiled a unique statue at the Sydney Cricket Ground to mark the upcoming Pride Game against St Kilda.
The statue, featuring a pair of vacant football boots, is a platform for change. It encourages match-goers to take a powerful step forward and Stand for Pride by celebrating diversity and inclusion in the football community.
At this year’s Pride Game, HSBC will be encouraging members and fans to interact with the Stand for Pride on Driver Avenue, by stepping into the football boots and showing their support.
“The vacant football boots aim to spark discussion regarding diversity and inclusion in the game. To date, there hasn’t been a publicly open LGBTQIA+ male player at the elite level of the AFL. Through this statue, we want to give fans the opportunity to Stand for Pride – to honour the heroes of our game and promote a football community filled with diverse and proud players and supporters,” said Jessica Power, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC Australia.
“This is the third year HSBC is working with the Sydney Swans to champion a diverse and inclusive environment for football at all levels. We’re proud to create a platform whereby footy fans can come together and take a stand for pride to promote greater representation for all.”
The Pride Game returns to the SCG in 2022 with the Sydney Swans to host the annual fixture against St Kilda in what will be the seventh Pride Game between the two sides.
Sydney Swans Head of People and Culture, Scott Dalby, said: “We are incredibly proud to play an important role in celebrating diversity through our involvement with the annual Pride Game and are thankful to HSBC for sharing in our goal to champion an inclusive future in the game for all.”
“HSBC’s Stand for Pride activation is a fantastic way for our members and fans to show their continued support for an inclusive football community, and we encourage all fans to take a stand alongside the team.”
The Pride Game is this Saturday, June 25 at the SCG at 7:25pm. Wafia is performing LIVE at halftime. Get your tickets HERE
Click here for all the important information in our Round 14 Match Day Hub.
