Widnes link up with Stonewall

Widnes Vikings are the first Super League club to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charity, Stonewall, the organisation behind the ‘Rainbow Laces’ campaign.

The Vikings will proudly feature the ‘Rainbow Laces’ logo on the reverse of their 2018 home and away shirts.

Widnes will also celebrate equality and diversity in sport through a dedicated 2018 Betfred Super League matchday, which will include Vikings players wearing Rainbow Laces.

The Vikings Sports Foundation will use Stonewall’s resources to deliver innovative equality and diversity sessions in secondary schools across Cheshire and Merseyside backed by Crowdfunding.

Widnes aim to use Stonewall as a vehicle to promote a more inclusive society, making sure that the game is accessible and welcoming to individuals from all walks of life.

And the club’s co-captain, Joe Mellor, insisted that the club are proud to link up with the LGBT charity.

He said: ““Rugby League is a sport that everyone should be able to enjoy, so we are pleased to be able to promote Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign.

“We are proud to see our Club make a real statement about inclusivity by featuring the logo on our shirt and inviting players to wear Rainbow Laces in an upcoming Super League fixture.”

Vikings’ commercial and community director, Richard Munson, added: “We are excited to introduce Rainbow Laces to the Super League and to make a visible commitment of our support, by featuring the logo on the first team’s playing kits.

“We are looking forward to dedicating a fixture to the campaign. This will see our players, partners and supporters come together to proudly express that there is no place for homophobia or discrimination in our sport.”