I wrote about this high school girls ice hockey team in New Brunswick, Canada a few weeks ago. The Woodstock Thunder stood up against the homophobic reactions of some of their opponents when two teammates came out as gay. This article describes some of the homophobic reactions they got and their incredibly mature and courageous stand against anti-gay bigotry and for their lesbian teammates.
The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity presented the Thunder with its “Grace Under Pressure” award. This is a very prestigious award previously only given to Olympians. I can’t think of a more deserving group of athletes. These young women are an inspiration to teams everywhere about what concepts like “team” and “unity” really mean.
For men and women athletes and coaches, from high school to the pros who have negative reactions to having gay teammates or playing against gay players on the other team, read this and learn. Thanks to CAAWS for honoring these young women.
It does take a team to make sports welcoming for all and that is exactly what the Woodstock Thunder did. Congratulations!
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