UWA Sport’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has resulted in gold tier certification at the recent Australian Pride in Sport Awards.

National sporting organisations and individuals attended the event on Tuesday 23 April in Melbourne to celebrate and acknowledge outstanding contributions to LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport.

UWA Sport increased its 2023 Pride in Sport Index – which aims to assess the inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders within Australian sporting organisations and codes – to gold tier status and was also recognised with the Most Improved Sporting Organisation award.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations) Selina Torrance congratulated UWA Sport on the achievement and their ongoing commitment to LGBTQIA+ people.

“It is fantastic to see UWA Sport’s initiatives to create an environment that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion recognised,” she said.

“It is so important people can be their authentic self and feel safe and healthy in our community.”

UWA Sport has been a member of the Pride in Sport program for the past three years, making an ongoing commitment to the development and enhancement of the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in sport at the University.

UWA Sport Senior Manager – Inclusion, Kristina Mitsikas, said while she was immensely proud of the progress made at UWA Sport the work was far from over.

“Beyond celebration, there is a commitment to ongoing learning, listening and evolution as we empower and advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport at the University and within its sporting community,” Ms Mitsikas said.

Pride in Sport was founded by ACON Health and is the only sporting inclusion program specifically designed to assist sporting organisations with the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Being a Pride in Sport member involves changing practices and working towards a more inclusive, safe and healthy sporting environment for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

UWA Sport’s journey with Pride in Sport has been instrumental in propelling its progress in the LGBTQIA+ community space.

“Sport has always been a powerful vehicle for enriching student life and nurturing community within the university landscape,” Ms Mitsikas said.

“We are committed to embedding inclusive practices and principles across the many aspects of the community.”

"Personally, I am deeply passionate about inclusion and firmly believe that diversity and sport can coexist harmoniously. As an active ally, I am privileged to use my platform to positively influence, engage and lead better outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community in sport."

UWA Sport Senior Manager - Inclusion, Kristina Mitsikas

UWA Sport would also like to congratulate Ms Mitsikas on her nomination for the Executive Leadership Award.

Ms Mitsikas has demonstrated allyship and advocacy that has led to initiatives promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion across our business at a strategic and operational level.

She has implemented inclusive policies, organised educational workshops and planned LGBTQIA+ events.

“Personally, I am deeply passionate about inclusion and firmly believe that diversity and sport can coexist harmoniously,” Ms Mitsikas said.

“As an active ally, I am privileged to use my platform to positively influence, engage and lead better outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community in sport.”

If you are seeking additional support in the space of LGBTQIA + inclusion, follow here to see support services.