Republic of Ireland international footballers Jack Byrne and Jamie Finn, and rugby player Jack Dunne, were at the Aviva Stadium yesterday to launch Aviva’s #LaceUpWithPride campaign for 2022.
Following on from a hugely successful #LaceUpWithPride campaign last June, this month’s campaign gives people across Ireland another chance to buy rainbow laces, with all profits from the sale of the laces going to LGBTQ+ youth charity, Belong To. Last year over 1,500 sets of laces were bought.
Aviva Ireland will also make a €10 donation to Belong To for every new Aviva Home Insurance policy taken out in June.
Rainbow laces are available to purchase from www.aviva.ie/pride.
Aviva is a longstanding partner of the charity and has donated over €160,000 to the organisation since 2017. It is also a major sponsor not only of the stadium but also of the IRFU and the FAI.
Unite
Over the last twelve months, sport has shown time and time again its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, no matter their ability, gender, sexuality or ethnicity.
In June of last year, the Irish sporting community rallied under the #LaceUpWithPride banner, showing their colours in support of the LGBTQ+ community. However, there still remains significant discrimination at all levels of sport in Ireland, with the use of homophobic slurs in reference to on-field actions or practices a particular problem.
“It is a privilege for all at Aviva Ireland to show our support for Belong To, and the wider LGBTQ+ community again this year with the #LaceUpWithPride campaign,” said Aviva Sponsorship Manager Lisa Bergin.
“It is an honour to be supported in the launch of this campaign by stars from across the Irish sporting family, showing their true colours and character at the home of Irish Rugby and Football.”
Place for Everyone
“By choosing to #LaceUpWithPride this month, Irish sport can show that there is a place for everyone on and off the field of play. In a year where we have seen first-hand the power of sport, we are hopeful that people will rally together to help raise much-needed funds to support the crucial work of Belong To.”
“We are grateful for the support of Aviva Ireland as we team up with them to #LaceUpWithPride again this year,” added Moninne Griffith, CEO of Belong To.
“As evident in our Life in Lockdown research, LGBTQ+ young people are experiencing high levels of isolation. More than half of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed told us they are not fully accepted in their home environment. Family rejection, feeling unaccepted, and a denial of identity can result in loneliness, stress, anxiety, and more complex mental health challenges.”
“Through our frontline work with LGBTQ+ youth, we see the confidence playing sport can give to young people who need it most. That said, we can all do more to ensure that Irish sport is a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. By choosing to #LaceUpWithPride, together we can show LGBTQ+ young people that there are spaces for them to come together and be who they are. I would like to thank Jack, Jamie and Jack for issuing the rallying call today, and I would encourage all who can to get behind this year’s campaign – let’s all #LaceUpWithPride this June.”
“Ahead of a massive month of Irish sport, I’m delighted to partner with Aviva Ireland for the launch of this year’s #LaceUpWithPride campaign,” said Jamie Finn.
“The support of my teammates and the solidarity we share on and off the pitch has always allowed me to express myself in football and in life. This campaign also gives our supporters the chance to get involved, lace up, and show why they are the best fans in the world.”
The #LaceUpWithPride initiative is part of the wider Pride Month 2022 plans by Aviva’s active Pride Community. Aviva Pride is a resource group for people within the company who believe it’s important to spend energy being yourself, not hiding it. For the month of June, Aviva Pride will be celebrating the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community by sharing educational resources and creating fundraising opportunities.
Sport for Business Partners
