In association with Durham Pride, Durham Cricket players and staff took part in a session to promote awareness of LGBTQ+.
This is the first time Durham players and staff have taken part in a session to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ inclusivity with those in attendance learning about sexual orientation and gender identity, the effects of prejudice and discrimination and equality legislation.
The training forms part of our partnership with Durham Pride with our T20 Blast opener against Notts Outlaws being dedicated to Pride.
The bank holiday Monday fixture comes at the end of the Durham Pride weekend and the club is hoping to extend the Pride celebrations and welcome everyone down to celebrate the start of the T20 cricket season and the Clubs new partnership with Durham Pride when it hosts its first Pride in Cricket game.
The Club are working with officials from Durham Pride to make the game as fun and inclusive as possible for everyone and they are hoping for a carnival of colour to end the bank holiday weekend and Pride celebrations.
All Durham players and staff were part of the training which will become a regular in the Durham calendar as the Durham Cricket family are up to date with awareness of LGBTQ+.
Marcus North, Director of Cricket, said: “This is an important day for us at Durham Cricket, this is more than just representing an armband it is representing a community and represents Durham Cricket being an inclusive environment.
Mel Metcalfe, Chair of Durham Pride, added: “What we do know is that hate crime is rising against the LGBTG+ community so what we need to do is show that it is not acceptable.
“The training we have done today with the Durham players and staff shows that hate crime has to be taken seriously and training like this can make a massive impact on people’s lives.
“We have an amazing opportunity to bring Pride to cricket and I am excited at the community coming together to celebrate later this month.”
Those attending Durham Pride can get discounted tickets for the game on 29 May.
Tickets for the fixture are on sale now for as little as £5 (CLICK HERE TO BUY)