T20 matches across the weekend to show support; Yorkshire Diamonds and England's Lauren Winfield welcomes ECB's commitment to 'great inclusivity'
Friday 9 August 2019 20:53, UK
Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign is to be activated by the ECB in domestic T20 cricket this weekend for the third consecutive year.
The campaign, which carries the slogan 'make sport everyone's game' and is supported by Sky Sports as a member of TeamPride, will be visible at Vitality Blast and Kia Super League fixtures from Friday through to Monday.
Yorkshire Diamonds are one of the 24 men's and women's one-day teams in action over the weekend. Speaking ahead of their game against Loughborough Lightning on Sunday, Diamonds batter and England World Cup winner Lauren Winfield says she is proud to share the campaign's message.
"Speaking as part of the LGBTQ+ community, I've always found cricket to be a really all-embracing and welcoming sport," said Winfield. "It really should be a sport for everyone, regardless of race, background, gender or sexuality.
"It's great to see the ECB and cricket in a wider sense continue to support Rainbow Laces - and to have marched at Pride in London for the last two years. It shows great inclusivity and value to younger fans that cricket is a game for all."
All those across the game - whether LGBT themselves, or allies - are being invited to take part in the activation. Rainbow Laces have been sent to all 24 Blast and KSL teams, while rainbow stumps and flags have also been distributed.
Five of the weekend's fixtures will be televised live on Sky Sports, concluding with the Surrey Stars vs Southern Vipers KSL match at the Kia Oval on Monday.
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