Europe’s biggest LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament, the Union Cup, which is set to take place in Ireland this weekend, has been supported by Game Of Thrones star Lena Headey.
Headey has also shared an Instagram post, asking fans to join her in celebration of the Union Cup, particularly celebrating the inception of a ‘dedicated women’s tournament’ this year alongside the men’s.
The two-day festival of rugby will be held on the 8th and the 9th of June in DCU. 45 teams from 15 countries are expected to participate. As an inclusive tournament, Union Cup welcomes both IGR (International Gay Rugby) teams and non-IGR teams and players to its inaugural tournament.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByFfHAAhGd_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Host team the Emerald Warriors won the bid to host in 2017, and along with tournament supporters, the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union), are inviting all people in Ireland to the tournament, highlighting that this is an inclusive event which is not limited to the rugby community.
“Joining the tournament line-up as official partners are Bank of Ireland, Guinness, and Vodafone, who proudly champion diversity and inclusion both on and off the pitch.”
The Union Cup is a biennial LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament established in order to improve diversity in the sporting world, making it accessible to all people who want to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity.
What a memorable week! We’ve seen so much, from big unvieilings to Warrior Ger telling us why inclusive rugby is so important & a HUGE flood of support from big names. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all!
Get you tickets at https://t.co/b0GFwVed4V and be ready to #TryWithPride pic.twitter.com/ja6bc3QW7D— IGR Union Cup (@unioncuprugby) June 2, 2019
According to recent statistics, 17% of the European LGBT+ community are members of a sports club or team, 55% of LGBT+ men and 56% LGBT+ women are not active enough to maintain good health (compared to 33% / 45% general population), and 84% of gay men and 82% of gay women have reported experiences of homophobia while participating in sporting activities.
Tickets are available at www.unioncupdublin.ie and are €10 for an Adult, €5 for a Child (under 2 go free), all profits go to BelongTo LGBT+ youth services.
For further information, imagery, video or interviews contact media@unioncupdublin.ie or James Browne at 087 6687 663.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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