Basketball Ireland works with Sporting Pride to promote participation among LGBTQ+ community

Basketball Ireland recently teamed together with Sporting Pride to hold a basketball open day for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Ireland’s first ever LGBTQ+ specific basketball open day took place at Trinity College on February 26th. Subsequently a six-week programme took place, which meant players could try out the sport, with coaching from Shane Maughan, Basketball Ireland’s Development Officer for Dublin North East Inner City and Trinity College, and DBS Éanna player Scott Kinevane.

Participants at the basketball open day for members of the LGBTQ+ community at Trinity College. 

Aidan Walsh, Chair of Sporting Pride, said: “We were delighted to partner with Basketball Ireland on their first step in making basketball a more inclusive sport for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The 30+ players who took part really enjoying testing their skills and, of course, learning new ones. We look forward to working with Basketball Ireland in developing more inclusive basketball programmes that are safe and welcoming spaces for all members of the LGBTQ+ community during #LetsGetVisible2023 week and beyond.” 

Paul Carr, Basketball Ireland Grants and Participation Manager, added: “The #LetsGetVisible2023 campaign is hugely important, as it’s another chance to highlight the opportunities to get involved in sport. Our six-week programme with Sporting Pride was hugely successful and we look forward to working with them again.”

If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and are interested in getting involved in basketball please email Paul Carr, Grants and Participation Manager, on pcarr@ireland.basketball