By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – Hockey Saskatchewan is proud to support the Sport A Rainbow initiative, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all participants in the game.

Sport A Rainbow encourages athletes, coaches, and officials to consider taking a pledge to promote an environment free of discrimination and to actively speak up against hateful speech and actions in sport.

As part of this initiative, Hockey Saskatchewan welcomes players, coaches, and teams across the province who choose to take the optional pledge and display Sport A Rainbow helmet stickers as a visible symbol of their dedication to equity in sport.

SPORT A RAINBOW PLEDGE: “By Sporting A Rainbow, I understand that all athletes, coaches and competitors deserve to participate in sport free of judgement. I will help by speaking up against hateful speech and actions in my sport. Because it's about more than just the game.”

The Sport A Rainbow pledge is a voluntary promise to uphold an inclusive culture in sport by speaking out against discrimination and standing up for those who feel excluded. The pledge is built on four core actions:

1. Consider Taking the Pledge – Commit alone or with your teammates to fostering an inclusive sport environment.
2. Wear the Sticker – Display a Sport A Rainbow sticker on your helmet or gear as a sign of your commitment to equity in sport.
3. Share Your Support – Snap a photo and post it on social media using #IStand4Inclusion.
4. Speak Up – If you witness harmful words or behaviour in your sport, take action.

The importance of this initiative was reinforced at the Beyond the Boards Summit, hosted by Hockey Canada during the 2024-25 season, where discussions highlighted the need for greater acceptance within hockey culture.

Hockey Saskatchewan’s Board Chairperson, Edward Watson, recently took the pledge himself and emphasized the importance of leadership in fostering a culture of acceptance.

“At the Beyond the Boards Summit in Ottawa on November 14–15, 2024, there was significant discussion about the lack of acceptance of individuals within the hockey community. Many panelists shared experiences of not feeling safe or included in the game—even within their own teams,” said Watson. “Hockey should be a place where players can set aside the challenges of daily life and simply play in a safe and welcoming environment.”

“At the Hockey Saskatchewan Board of Directors meeting on January 5, 2025, I stood before the Board and took the Sport a Rainbow pledge,” said Watson. “As both an active on-ice official and the Chair of the Board for Hockey Saskatchewan, I believe it is essential to lead by example and do what I can to support the well-being of all individuals in the sport.”

Hockey Saskatchewan encourages those interested to learn more about the Sport A Rainbow initiative. Members, Teams, leagues, and Minor Hockey Associations looking to participate and obtain helmet stickers can fill out this online form or contact Faye Matt, Senior Manager of Culture & Inclusion at Hockey Saskatchewan, via email at FayeM@HockeySask.ca.

Sport A Rainbow, founded in Peterborough, Ont., promotes inclusion in sports by encouraging athletes and teams to show their support for respect and equity. Through helmet stickers and advocacy, it fosters a safe and supportive environment for all participants. For more information, please visit SPORTARAINBOW.CA.

Shaping Character for Life… More Than a Game.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the province of Saskatchewan. With a mission to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 45,000 members comprised of players, coaches, and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.