Basketball NSW is proud to announce that the organisation has achieved Bronze Tier Status courtesy of our PSI Foundation Submission to the Pride in Sport Index.
Basketball NSW scored 94% on its submission, cementing its status as a leading inclusive sport. The organisation will continue this momentum with a PSI Advanced Submission in 2024.
Our Pride in Basketball journey commenced in 2021 when we became members of Pride in Sport, showcasing our commitment and dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
To bolster our efforts, Basketball NSW signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with two prominent organisations: Sydney Spectres Basketball and Queer Sporting Alliance. These partnerships were instrumental in promoting inclusivity within the basketball community and beyond.
In the same year, we established the Pride in Basketball Working Group which consisted of representatives from the basketball community in NSW along with representatives from the Sydney Spectres and Queer Sporting Alliance. This group reviewed Basketball Australia’s Guidelines for the Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in Community Basketball. By addressing these guidelines, the working group aimed to ensure that basketball in New South Wales remained a sport that welcomed and embraced individuals of all gender identities.
In 2022 we revealed that BNSW would co-host the inaugural Pride Basketball Australia Tournament with Basketball Australia, as part of the Sydney WorldPride 2023 Pride Amplified Program. The second edition will run from 28 February to 1 March 2024.
In 2023 at the Basketball NSW State Conference, we launched our 2023-2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan.
“We are thrilled to announce our Bronze Tier Status in the Pride in Sport index. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. We believe in the power of diversity, and this milestone inspires us to continue fostering a culture where every individual can thrive. Together, we will keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in promoting diversity and inclusion within our organisation and beyond,” Basketball NSW CEO, Maria Nordstrom said.
“Basketball NSW has already commenced work in preparation for our PSI Advanced Submission, which we will submit in 2024 and I look forward to Basketball NSW ensuring that basketball is everyone’s game,” she added.
“Basketball NSW should be commended for its commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all members involved in our great sport. Achieving Bronze in the Pride in Sport Index is a testament to the ongoing support and inclusion demonstrated through visible allyship, meaningful policy change, and provision of support and education services. I look forward to being part of BNSW’s journey and helping them continue to make a difference in the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community,” added Chair of the Pride in Basketball Working Group, Jesse Brown.
About Pride in Sport Index
The ‘PSI Submission’ is an instrument that assesses the inclusion of people with diverse sexualities and genders within sporting organisations based on evidence and responses supplied to questions within the submission document.
PSI Foundation Submission covers the baseline of LGBTQ inclusion efforts across Australian sport and recreation organisation
PSI Advanced Submission covers furthered work that organisations frequently progress toward in relation to their LGBTQ inclusion work, including endeavours in best practice standards. It also covers work undertaken on an annual basis.
Pride Basketball Australia Tournament
The 2024 Pride Basketball Australia Tournament is a celebration of diversity in basketball. The tournament will feature four exciting divisions – Men’s, Women’s, Non-Gendered, and Wheelchair – this tournament brings together teams and players from the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, showcasing their skills and fostering a sense of unity.
Basketball NSW invites basketball players from the community to be part of this unforgettable event. Whether you’re an experienced player, a social player, a technical official or just a fan of basketball, come and experience the spirit of sportsmanship and the joy of inclusion at the 2024 Pride Basketball Australia Tournament.
All games will be scheduled to be played during the day, and we encourage all spectators to attend with FREE entry across the three-day tournament.
There are so many ways to be involved in the tournament, you can register a team or as a player or if you like to be a technical official or volunteer just visit www.prideinbasketball.com