WorldPride: Sydney Swans and Los Angeles Rams Team Up

Two sporting teams from opposite sides of the globe are coming together to celebrate WorldPride in Sydney.

The Sydney Swans Australian rules football team are joining forces with the Los Angeles Rams National football league team for Sydney WorldPride.

Rams Cheerleaders, staff, and mascot ‘Rampage’ will march with the Sydney Swans in the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, which this year returns to its traditional route along Oxford Street, finishing near the Swans’ home at Moore Park.

It’s the sixth time the Sydney Swans are taking part in the parade, after becoming the first professional sporting team to participate in 2018, while it’s the first time the Rams will march in the parade.

Both sporting teams will also come together the day after the parade in a ‘come and try’ event for families. Pride Goals, being held on Sunday, February 26 at Moore Park, is open to everyone and will teach participants basic AFL skills and Cheer skills across a fun afternoon in the sun.

Additionally, the Sydney Swans will bring the red and white to Fair Day, the traditional rainbow extravaganza at Victoria Park on Sunday, February 19 where Sydney’s official LGBTIQA+ supporter group the Rainbow Swans will be on hand to discuss how to get involved with the team this season.

Meanwhile, Rams Cheerleaders will perform at Sydney WorldPride’s opening Concert Live and Proud, the Domain Dance Party, Pride Villages, and the Mardi Gras parade. The Rams Cheerleaders will also visit local schools, military bases, and host cheer clinics for youth in Sydney.

Scott Dalby, Sydney Swans Executive General Manager of People and Culture, said the club is looking forward to playing an active role in Sydney WorldPride and welcoming the Rams as part of the celebrations.

“Professional sporting organisations can be a powerful unifying force in inclusion and equality. Our partnership with the Rams shows this is the case regardless of geographical location or the sport being played,” Dalby said.

“Diversity is a strength. It is reflected in the people who work for us, the fans who support us and the broader community of Sydney which we represent. We will always strongly advocate in line with our values and are delighted that the Rams share this ethos.”

Los Angeles Rams Head of International and Special Projects, Stephanie Cheng, echoed Dalby’s sentiments.

“We are thrilled to come together with the Sydney Swans to further carry Sydney WorldPride’s message of inclusivity and the power of sport,” Cheng said.

“Whether it’s in LA, Australia or beyond, we are proud to utilise our platform to advocate for all members of the communities we touch. Inclusion has always been a valued part of our organisation and we are thrilled to work with the Sydney Swans and Sydney WorldPride to celebrate diversity and inclusion.”

Mr Gay Pride Australia 2022 Dion Alexander is a member of Rainbow Swans and will also be taking part in Fair Day and the Parade as part of his dedication to ending homophobia in sport.

Last Updated on Feb 15, 2023