In a video released recently, North Carolina’s NHL Hockey team, the Carolina Hurricanes showed their support for gay and lesbian athletes. The video is part of the You Can Play campaign dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.
You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success.The organization also seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.
According to the Carolina Hurricanes website, the Hurricanes’ video marks the first time a professional sports team in North Carolina has come forward with this type of message encouraging gay and lesbian inclusivity in professional athletics.
About the video, Hurricanes forward Kevin Westgarth said, “I think it’s fantastic that we’re moving forward and it lets whomever it may be feel more comfortable being themselves….You want people to feel comfortable being who they are and know it’s not going to affect what people think of them and what they’re able to do…if you’re good enough to play on my team, I want you on my team.”
Founded by Philadelphia Flyers scout Patrick Burke, You Can Play has had vocal and expansive support throughout hockey since its inception on March 9, 2012.
“To formalize it across the NHL and NHLPA is a great thing, and hopefully that is a beacon moving forward,” Westgarth said.
According to the league, the partnership between the NHL, NHLPA and You Can Play includes a broad pledge to education and training. You Can Play will conduct educational seminars at the league’s rookie symposium and will make its resources available for teams and players. The partnership also includes production and broadcast support of public service announcements.
At its core, the You Can Play project centers around respect – respect both in and out of the locker room – and the idea of judging athletes based on character and work ethic. Sport unites people of all backgrounds, races and culture together; exclusivity is not inherent, and inclusivity should be celebrated.
“It’s unfortunate it can’t just be right without saying anything,” Westgarth said. “But I think it’s very important now that we do it, and I think it’s a great step for us.”
For more information about You Can Play, visit youcanplayproject.org.