NAB Extends Partnership With Pride Cup Australia

NAB has announced an extension of its partnership with Pride Cup Australia through to 2021, to further support LGBTI+ inclusion in sport.

The partnership will reportedly allow Pride Cup Australia to support 120 sporting clubs to theme a match around celebrating diversity and inclusion of LGBTI+ people and provide education to help create lasting change in local sporting communities.

NAB chief customer experience officer, Rachel Slade, told Star Observer the deal further promotes NAB’s support of diversity and inclusion.

“At NAB we are committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplace, and in the community,” she said.

“Through our partnership with Pride Cup Australia, we can help sporting clubs to create inclusive, progressive and successful communities.

“NAB has an ongoing commitment to supporting football, we’ve partnered with the AFL for the past 18 years, including being the naming rights partner of the NAB AFL Women’s competition since the inaugural season in 2016.

“We are committed to growing the game at all levels and making it a better game for all Australians.

“That’s why we support programs that encourage all members of the community to get involved,” Slade said.

This deal is expected to support the delivery of Pride Cup events across Australia, as well as support the development of educational materials and initiatives which work to increase the engagement of the LGBTI+ community in sport.

Pride Cup Australia liaison manager, Kara Montoneri, said they are excited to use the support of NAB to further the event around Australia.

“When I stood on the sidelines at the Yarra Valley Pride Cup with my kids and looked around and saw so many rainbow and transgender pride flags, and the local community attending in support, I welled up with tears,” she told Star Observer.

“An event like this shows all people that they are welcome to play, and are welcome to attend, no matter of their gender or sexuality.

“The feeling of inclusion and acceptance was amazing.

“It really gave me hope that my children will be treated equally and with equity while playing the sports they love.

“Social inclusion is an incredibly important contributor to everyone’s health and wellbeing.

“When a group feel that they cannot participate in sports and exercise, not only are they missing out on the physical health benefits, but also the mental health and wellbeing only found as part of a team or sporting club,” Montoneri said.

As part of the partnership, NAB regional employees will also be provided with the opportunity to participate in locally run inclusion training sessions with competing teams at local clubs through to 2021.