Two sporting teams from opposite sides of the globe are proud to be coming together to celebrate WorldPride in the Harbour City.

The Sydney Swans are joining forces with the Los Angeles Rams for Sydney WorldPride, in what represents the first time the event has been held in the southern hemisphere and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week.

Rams Cheerleaders, staff, and mascot ‘Rampage’ will march with the Sydney Swans in the iconic Mardi Gras Parade, which this year returns to its traditional route along Oxford Street, finishing near the Swans’ home at Moore Park.

It’s the sixth time the Sydney Swans are taking part in the parade, after becoming the first professional sporting team to participate in 2018, while it’s the first time the Rams will march in the parade.

Both sporting teams will also come together the day after the parade in a ‘come and try’ event for families. Pride Goals, being held on Sunday, February 26 at Moore Park, is open to everyone and will teach participants basic AFL skills and Cheer skills across a fun afternoon in the sun.

Additionally, the Sydney Swans will bring the red and white to Fair Day, the traditional rainbow extravaganza at Victoria Park on Sunday, February 19. Fair Day is one of the most loved events on the Mardi Gras calendar and Sydney’s official LGBTIQA+ supporter group the Rainbow Swans will be on hand to discuss how to get involved with the team this season.

Meanwhile, Rams Cheerleaders will perform at Sydney WorldPride’s opening Concert Live and Proud, the Domain Dance Party, Pride Villages, and the Mardi Gras parade. The Rams Cheerleaders will also visit local schools, military bases, and host cheer clinics for youth in Sydney.

Scott Dalby, Sydney Swans Executive General Manager of People and Culture, said the club is looking forward to playing an active role in Sydney WorldPride and welcoming the Rams as part of the celebrations.
 
"Professional sporting organisations can be a powerful unifying force in inclusion and equality. Our partnership with the Rams shows this is the case regardless of geographical location or the sport being played," Dalby said.
 
"Diversity is a strength. It is reflected in the people who work for us, the fans who support us and the broader community of Sydney which we represent. We will always strongly advocate in line with our values and are delighted that the Rams share this ethos."
 
Los Angeles Rams Head of International and Special Projects, Stephanie Cheng, echoed Dalby's sentiments.
 
“We are thrilled to come together with the Sydney Swans to further carry Sydney WorldPride’s message of inclusivity and the power of sport," Cheng said.
 
"Whether it’s in LA, Australia or beyond, we are proud to utilise our platform to advocate for all members of the communities we touch. Inclusion has always been a valued part of our organisation and we are thrilled to work with the Sydney Swans and Sydney WorldPride to celebrate diversity and inclusion.”
 
Catch us at WorldPride events thanks to our official Pride Partner HSBC.
 
Fair Day
Victoria Park, Broadway
Sunday February 19, 10am – 9pm
 
Mardi Gras Parade
Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
Saturday February 25, 6pm – 11pm
 
Pride Goals
Lakeside Oval, Moore Park
Sunday February 26, 2pm – 4pm
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