I know this is hockey-related (hey, never hurts to look at Henrik Lundqvist, now does it?) but the message is very important. This is a new initiative called the You Can Play Project which teams gay athletes and straight allies in a quest to end homophobia in sports. The message is simple but effective: If you can play, you can play. I would love it if Real Madrid did something like this and I hope the movement spreads.
In this video: Patrick Burke (Philadelphia), Brian Burke (Toronto), Rick Nash (Columbus), Duncan Keith (Chicago), Brian Boyle (New York), Matt Moulson (New York Islanders), Joffrey Lupul (Toronto), Claude Giroux (Philadelphia), Daniel Alfredsson (Ottawa), Scott Hartnell (Philadelphia), Corey Perry (Anaheim), Andy Greene (New Jersey), Dion Phaneuf (Toronto), Henrik Lundqvist (New York).
Kudos, gentlemen. I think this is a great start and I hope more teams produce something like this.
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
watishistacorrespondents
Great message and I applaud all the players who participated in this effort. Hopefully all athletes and sporting organizations take this message to heart.
And damn Henrik Lundqvist’s eyes are piercing, even in black and white.
Luuuuuv me some hockey. Great msg from a sport that has been a little hostile to gays in the past.
Okay, that made me kind of weepy. It’s so nice to have that be because I’m happy and hopeful for a change. Thanks for posting this, Lozil.
I have never seen these guys before nor do I knoe their names or backstories, but I’m very moved. It’s a great campaign, I love the thought. Hopefully it catches on!