The Canadian Olympic Committee has launched a new video spot for its #OneTeam campaign, calling for the inclusion and support of LGBTQ athletes in sport.
The video, which features interviews with Olympic athletes discussing the challenge of competing while remaining closeted, is one of the first visible results of the #OneTeam campaign, which was launched seven months ago. The committee hopes the spot will serve to empower both world-class athletes as well as kids, parents and schools in talking openly about inclusiveness.
The new #OneTeam video was created in conjunction with Toronto production house Triple Threat Entertainment, and features nine Canadian Olympians, including Anastasia Bucsis (speed skater, pictured above), Connor Taras (rower) and Hank Palmer (sprinter). All nine athletes will serve as ambassadors for the #OneTeam program.
The COC says the campaign will be driven by the athletes’ personal stories, as they publicly share their own struggles with the hope of inspiring sports programs to offer support and safety for members of the LGBTQ community.
The campaign’s first video (see below), carries an emotional weight, as the featured Olympians open up about their personal experiences. #OneTeam will also operate in partnership with the Canadian Olympic School Program, which provides classroom resources regarding the Olympic Movement to educators across Canada.
In a press release, Canadian Olympic Committee CEO Chris Overholt noted that the new video spot “brings us one step closer to sharing the #OneTeam mantra with as many Canadians as we can, ensuring that inclusion for all athletes is a message that is communicated across our great country.”
