Canadian Olympic Committee release video in support of LGBTQ initiative

The Canadian Olympic Committee have launched a new video in support of his LGBTQ initiative ©COC

A new video in support of its “#One Team” initiative has been launched by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) aimed at increasing the inclusion of LGBTQ athletes in sport.

The short video incorporates stories from LGBTQ Canadian sportsmen and women such as rhythmic gymnast Rosie Cossar, ice skater Anastasia Bucsis and canoeist Connor Tarras, detailing their experiences throughout their careers.

Also featured in the film are elite-level coaches and administrators and the scheme forms part of COC’s plan to build an inclusive environment in sport.

Recently, the COC hosted a forum on LGBT sports issues in Toronto, which will host the Pan American and Parapan American Games in July and August, in an attempt to spread the message of the scheme.

They aim to reach around one million students by next year and they have also partnered with the “You Can Play” project, aimed at helping LGBTQ athletes come out to teammates, as well as Egale Canada, a human rights organisation in the country.

As part of the “#OneTeam” initiative, members from as many as 15 different sporting organisations have marched during the Pride Toronto Parade, which will carry a theme of “come out and play”.

The select group includes representatives from Canadian Football League, Toronto FC and the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, as well as COC chief executive Chris Overholt.

“When the Canadian Olympic Committee first participated in the 2013 parade, that’s when this momentum began, and I believe that this will be the biggest year for sports groups marching and participating in the week,” Pride Toronto co-chair Aaron Glyn-Williams said.

“It will provide great momentum for the Pan Am Games.

“Many of the 41 countries competing criminalise homosexuality, so we know they may have LGBT athletes visiting who have never come out or been in a welcoming environment in their own countries.

“We want to show them how inclusive Toronto is.”