Exciting Speaker Line-up Announced for Inaugural ‘Play with Pride Brunch’

Adelaide University Sport and Fitness (AUSF), in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, are excited to announce an inspiring line-up of speakers at the inaugural ‘Play with Pride Brunch’, scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 27, from 9:30am – 11:30am at the stunning SkyCity Ballroom in Adelaide. This event aims to unite athletes, advocates, and allies to celebrate LGBTIQA+ representation in sports.

Hosted by the voice of live sport in Australia, Jarrod Walsh (he/him), the Pride Month event will focus on celebrating diversity and inclusion in sports. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to network and hear from members of the LGBTIQA+ community to gain practical insights and tools for fostering inclusivity within their own sporting clubs and communities.

Michelle Wilson (she/her), CEO of AUSF, commented, "We are so excited to welcome such a broad and inspiring group of speakers who are passionate advocates for inclusion and diversity in sports. Evidence shows the LGBTIQA+ community are half as likely to play sport. Our event aims to share stories and insights, to inspire and empower all attendees to create safe and supportive environments for the whole community to play and experience the benefits of sport."

Here’s a brief breakdown of each speaker confirmed for the event:

Andy Brennan (He/Him): Keynote Speaker & Panellist.

Former A-League footballer and current South Melbourne FC player, known as the first Australian male professional footballer to come out as gay, advocating for LGBTIQA+ rights in sports.

Matthew Mitcham O.A.M (He/Him): Panellist (joining live on screen from the UK).

Australian Olympic Diver, first openly gay Olympic Champion, and advocate for mental health and LGBTIQA+ issues, joining the event live from the UK.

CR. Jane Russo (She/Her): Panellist.

Elected Member for the City of Unley and Chair of Athletics South Australia, with over 20 years of leadership experience, advocating for inclusion, women's leadership, and LGBTIQA+ rights.

Hazel Robinson-Cox (She/Her): Panellist.

University of Adelaide student and volleyball player, an out and proud transgender member of the sporting community, Hazel is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports.

Anu Francis (She/Her): Panellist.

Globally ranked #2 in para triathlon and gearing up for the Paris Paralympics, Anu champions inclusion as an openly gay athlete with disabilities and serves as the Australian Institute of Sport’s Thrive with Pride, Lead Ambassador.

Jarrod Walsh (He/Him): Host.

Known as the voice of live sport in Australia, Jarrod will host the event, leveraging his extensive sports experience and dynamic presence to engage speakers and the audience for a lively, interactive and impactful brunch.

The event is proudly sponsored by our Platinum Sponsor, the University of Adelaide (Division of Academic and Student Engagement), Gold Sponsor, Thorne Harbour Health, and Silver Sponsor, Rugby Australia.

Don't miss this inspiring event to hear from remarkable speakers and celebrate the power of diversity and inclusion in sports. The Play with Pride Brunch promises to be a highlight on the University of Adelaide’s Pride Month calendar of activities. Ticket sales must close on 21st June – don’t miss out.

Click here for more information about speakers and ticket purchases.