Netball Super League | Loughborough Lightning to host LGBT+ charity match against Wasps in Round 8

Loughborough Lightning

Loughborough Lightning Netball will host a charity match on Sunday 13^th March to raise vital funds for local LGBT+ charity, Leicester LGBT Centre.

The event will see Lightning take on Midlands rivals and two-time VNSL champions Wasps, as Victoria Burgess’ side look to continue their unbeaten run in the 2022 season in a game which you can see live on the Sky Sports YouTube channel.

Bringing live action on court with activities for all the family, the event will feature a raffle, half time competition, and other opportunities to raise funds for the charity.

Loughborough are working hard this season to give their players opportunity to shed light on topics that are close to home and fans attending the match are also encouraged to don their best rainbow outfits with prizes awarded to the best dressed on the day.

Celebrate and encourage diversity

Lightning captain and the driving force behind the weekend’s charity focus, Nat Panagarry, shared the importance of her side hosting such an event:

“I’m really proud Lightning are hosting their first Pride game. For me personally this was an opportunity to keep championing increased visibility, something I’m really passionate about,” she said.

“We want to celebrate and encourage diversity within our netball community, and everyone should feel supported and welcomed when they take to a netball court.” Nat Panagarry

“Pride games are a chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and it seeks to build trust, and welcome communities into sporting spaces. I think they are massively needed to keep pushing inclusion in sport and creating conversations where people can learn, be educated, and connect with LGBTQ+ people.”

🏳️‍🌈 LIGHTNING PRIDE MATCH 🏳️‍🌈

❤️Sunday 13th March
🧡Sir David Wallace Arena
💛VS @waspsnetball
💚Raffle, half time competition and more!
💙Prizes for best dressed
💜All in aid of @LeicesterLGBT

🌈Wear your best rainbow colours!

🎟️Tickets on sale now: https://t.co/ZZBSPTZSWD pic.twitter.com/rbqFnC98LJ

— Loughborough Lightning Netball Team (@LboroLightning) March 7, 2022

Speaking about her choice of charity, Panagarry commented:

“I’ve chosen a local Midlands charity as I champion everything they stand for. Leicester LGBT Centre aim to provide safe, accessible, and appropriate services, venue and support to combat social isolation, exclusion and discrimination that LGBT people face.

“The centre also aims to promote a positive environment that empowers those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and educate those who are not.”

Lightning fans are encouraged to come down, put on their best rainbow outfits and support a great local cause. Tickets are on sale now with prices starting from just £7.