MCG to light-up ‘red’ for Global Week of Inclusion

The MCG will tonight light up in red to celebrate Global Week of Inclusion and be a Champion of Inclusion alongside MCC Foundation community partners, Special Olympics Australia.

This week, Global Week of inclusion sees Special Olympics Australia, as part of the global sporting community supporting and empowering people with an intellectual disability, and their partners help promote awareness, encouraging the broader to community to sign the virtual Inclusion Pledge.

Sign the Special Olympics Australia Inclusion Pledge today

The MCC Foundation, a partner of Special Olympics Australia since February 2019, will sign the pledge on behalf of all staff of the MCC and, as ground managers of the MCG, will illuminate the stadium in red, to continue to raise awareness around making inclusion the rule, not the exception.

People with intellectual and physical disabilities have been among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns and long periods of isolation.

The Inclusion Pledge strives to build a better and more inclusive world, while championing respect and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

MCC Foundation Chair, Sally Macindoe, said the MCC was proud to continue their ongoing support of Special Olympics Australia particularly in the challenging COVID-19 landscape.

“Special Olympics Australia have been one of our key community partners aligned with our ethos of making sport accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances,” Ms Macindoe said.

“The MCC Foundation were delighted to support Special Olympics Australia this time last year in eliminating use of the ‘R-word’ and promoting the use of respectful and people-first language.

“This year, we call on our members and the wider community to join in signing the Inclusion Pledge.”

Special Olympics Australia Chair, Cameron Brownjohn said he was grateful to the MCG and the MCC Foundation and their support to be Champions of Inclusion.

“We are delighted to have the MCC Foundation’s support for Global Week of Inclusion this year, and for the MCC, their staff and their members to join us in being Champions of Inclusion,” Mr Brownjohn said.

“Our athletes know the pain of isolation and exclusion far too well. Together, we have the power to change the future for all.

“Champions of Inclusion are those that look for opportunities to choose to include in all environments. It takes all of us coming together to build a truly inclusive world where no one is left behind because of their disability, ethnicity, age, religion, or gender identity.”

To join the pledge, visit wechallengeyou.org/pledge and share your pledge on social media using the hashtags #CelebratingChampions or #SOchallengeaccepted

To find out more about Special Olympics Australia, visit their website: www.specialolympics.com.au