GLBTIQ sports festival calls for entrants

Dominic Niumata, Emily Chong, Chris Gooden and Mike Downes. Picture: Kristian Scott

The largest GLBTIQ sports festival in Australia returns to the banks of the Maribyrnong River this month.

The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community is being invited to take part in the fifth annual GLBTIQ Sports Festival at Footscray Park on Saturday, January 30.

Run by Team Melbourne and hosted by Maribyrnong council as part of the 2016 Midsumma Festival, the “come and try day” will feature free sessions across a variety of sports and recreational activities.

Running from 9am to 3pm, the event will showcase traditional sports such as rugby union, AFL 9s, volleyball, swimming, rowing and tennis, alongside more recreational activities such as walking, cycling and tenpin bowling.

The day aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle regardless of sexuality or gender orientation.

Maribyrnong mayor Cameron McDonald said the council had always been interested in supporting diversity.

“The events we are presenting during Midsumma are a great way for our city to support and celebrate the pride and diversity of our GLBTIQ community members and their friends, families and allies,” he said.

To register for the day, go to www.teammelbourne.org.au