Play with Pride 2025 Highlights the Power of Sport to Drive Change
Published Tue 26 Aug 2025
On Friday 22 August, 170 people came together at the beautiful Bonython Hall at The University of Adelaide for the second edition of Play with Pride, an afternoon celebrating LGBTIQA+ inclusion and representation in sport.
Hosted by Ali Clarke (she/her), Play with Pride began with a Welcome to Country performed by proud Kaurna, Nganguruku, Ngarrindjeri and Narungga man Robert Taylor (he/him). This was followed with addresses from Adelaide University Sport and Fitness CEO Michelle Wilson (she/her), and University of Adelaide Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Academic) Professor Jennie Shaw (she/her), which highlighted the university's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sporting sphere.
The event then featured an incredible panel - Chelsea Randall (she/her - Adelaide Crows AFLW), Marnee Silver (they/them - Pride Cup), Maria Jose “Cote” Rojas (she/her - Chilean international footballer), and Owen Brigstock-Barron (he/him - Movember, Director of Global Sports Health Initiatives). These speakers all shared personal stories and insights that highlighted the importance of creating inclusive sporting environments - and their own journeys through the sporting world as members of the LGBTIQA+ community. Their honesty, experiences, and reflections hit home with everyone in the room, starting thoughtful conversations and reflection amongst guests.
Soon after a break during which guests enjoyed local South Australian food, along with award-winning wines from Howard Vineyard, Minister for Human Services and Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well, the Honourable Nat Cook MP (she/her) addressed the audience.
The afternoon continued with an unforgettable fireside Q+A between headline speaker, Isaac Humphries (he/him - NBL's Adelaide 36ers) and host Ali Clarke. Isaac’s openness and authenticity left a real impression - inspiring attendees to consider how they can make their clubs, workplaces and communities, places where everyone belongs.
The event was a powerful reminder of the role sport can play in driving positive change and fostering inclusion. Guests had the opportunity to network with speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and each other, further strengthening the sense of community.
A heartfelt thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, The University of Adelaide – Division of Academic and Student Engagement (DASE), and to all partners, sponsors, guests, and the Play with Pride working party for making this event possible.
Play with Pride continues to show why representation, inclusion, and visibility matter in sport and beyond.
