Zurich proud to be part of Pride

IN SUPPORT of AFLW Pride Round, Melbourne’s Major Partner Zurich Australia has featured its PrideZ logo on the club’s guernsey.

The design, which sits on the back of the Demons’ inaugural Pride jumper, switches out the traditional white ‘Z’ for the colours of the Progress Pride Flag, celebrating the diversity within the LQBTIQA+ community.

It’s the first time a club partner organisation has altered its logo on an AFLW guernsey and comes ahead of the weekend’s celebrations.

Linda Griffin, Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs for Zurich, said it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase support, during what is a special round.

“Through the AFLW Pride Round, we deliver an important message about diversity, inclusion, and respect,” she said.

“Zurich and AFLW are aligned to ensure we represent the diverse perspectives of our people, partners and communities in which we operate."

“We are proud to partner with Melbourne Football Club on such an important community initiative and to help broaden AFLW Pride Round’s reach.”

One of Zurich’s global employee resource groups, PrideZ represents LGBTQIA+ identifying employees and allies within the organisation, with a mission of building a diverse and inclusive culture.

It further extends to acknowledge challenges for the community, raise awareness of important issues and provide education for all Zurich employees.

Mark Biggs, Chair, PrideZ Australia and New Zealand, said the addition of the group’s logo was significant.

“It fills me with such pride, that not only is there an AFLW Pride Round but that we as an organisation are able to demonstrate our commitment to recognise our diverse voices, be inclusive, drive equity and ensure all people can feel a strong sense of belonging to whatever community they identify with,” he said.

“Opportunities like this are a great way to start conversations, open our eyes to the shoes in which others walk and identify what actions we can do to bring about change.”

In its second year, AFLW Pride Round is a formal celebration of inclusivity, diversity, growth and acceptance, and a step forward to ensuring the game is a safe place for all.

The Demons will wear their Pride guernsey, which was designed by former player Tegan Cunningham, when they go up against St Kilda on Saturday at Casey Fields.

In addition to the new kit, they will wear rainbow socks, while the day will also see umpires wearing rainbow sweatbands, goal umpires using rainbow flags instead of the traditional white, and rainbow markings on the ground.

The club is encouraging all to head along to Casey Fields, for what is not only Pride Round, but the first home game of the Demons’ 2022 AFLW campaign.

Article published courtesy of Melbourne Football Club