Duke of Edinburgh highlights importance of diversity and inclusion in sport
Edward said the ‘really important thing is that sense of belonging’.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Duke of Edinburgh has stressed the importance of improving diversity and inclusion in sport, saying “there are still elements of the sporting community who still are negative about a lot of what’s going on”.
Speaking at the Community Sport and Recreation Awards in Leeds, West Yorkshire, Edward said: “We must do better to make everybody feel part of sport.”
The duke made a speech at the event organised by the Sport and Recreation Alliance at Headingley Stadium, which celebrated clubs’, organisations’ and individuals’ contributions to grassroots sport.
He said: “I am incredibly proud of what the Sports and Recreation Alliance is doing across most British sport in pushing diversity and inclusion.
“I think it is really, really important.”
Edward added: “It’s still not easy, and there are still elements of the sporting community who still are negative about a lot of what’s going on.
“We’ve got to continue to push and change those attitudes. We’ve got to get out there and prove it is a very good thing for everybody.”
The duke said: “The really important thing is that sense of belonging. We can do better, we must do better to make everybody feel part of sport.”
Edward said he was “delighted” to be accompanied by his wife Sophie at the awards on International Women’s Day.
He said the duchess did “brilliant work” with sport and referenced the Princess of Wales’s work as patron of the Rugby Football League.