‍TORONTO, Ont. (June 28, 2021) -- Canada Basketball announced today a partnership with the You Can Play Project that furthers the organization's commitment to inclusivity in the sport across Canada as part of the Unified 2024 program.  

“At Canada Basketball, we are committed to using basketball as a means to unify our country, both on and off the court,” said Glen Grunwald, Canada Basketball President & CEO. “Partnering with the You Can Play Project is an important step for our organization as we continue to support the LGBTQ+ community and ensure that basketball is a welcoming environment for all who play our game.”

The partnership with You Can Play initially will focus on education and training for Canada Basketball athletes, coaches, officials, staff.  Additionally, Canada Basketball will work closely with the You Can Play to review and update relevant policies and procedures to ensure that they promote inclusivity.

Canada Basketball Foundation will also contribute to the You Can Play, to support the organization’s sector-wide work to improve inclusivity in sport.

The two organizations are also committed to discussing ways to integrate the You Can Play into upcoming Canada Basketball games, tournaments, and events.

“The commitment from Canada Basketball for work and initiatives around LGBTQ+ inclusion has been impressive', explained Brian Kitts, Board President of You Can Play. “We are excited to partner with the national organization to support inclusive basketball across Canada at all levels. We wish the teams good luck in Tokyo and look forward to working closely in the coming months.”

Last month, Canada Basketball announced the launch of Unified 2024, a multi-year program designed to lead the organization’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and establish the organization as a leader within the Canadian sports industry by 2024.

Strategic and purpose-based partnerships like this are critical to Canada Basketball’s work towards its inclusion, equity and diversity goals and objectives, while also continuing to develop a cohesive and equitable culture, both on and off the court.

The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and fans. We achieve this by creating a community of allies that is able to foster a true sense of belonging. This becomes possible when sports teams sharpen the focus on the person’s skills, work ethic, and competitive spirit, not their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

You Can Play works with professional sports leagues, teams, individual athletes, schools, and universities, with a genuine interest in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion, from the locker room to their fanbase.