2024 Rainbow Laces campaign promoting sport as a safe place for all

Rainbow Laces

The PDC will support Stonewall's 2024 Rainbow Laces campaign throughout the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts, promoting sport as a safe place for all.

Stonewall has worked for three decades to provide information, support and guidance on LGBTQ+ inclusion, with Rainbow Laces being their annual sport-based campaign.

The PDC has linked up to support Rainbow Laces since 2018, which has included an on-stage presence at televised events alongside other activity.

This year's Rainbow Laces campaign is asking everyone to Lace up and make sport safer for all, encouraging inclusion for all attending and competing in sporting events and creating safe spaces where everyone can be themselves.

Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, said: "We're pleased to be partnering once again with the Professional Darts Corporation for Rainbow Laces this year.

"Over the years, darts as a sport has taken important steps towards visibly championing LGBTQ+ inclusion for players, staff and fans alike. We're grateful for PDC's continued support for our campaign during this year's Grand Slam.

"All LGBTQ+ people deserve to feel safe playing and watching the sports they love, but we know that too many still feel unwelcome at sporting events or when they play team sport themselves.

"Sport should be safe and welcoming for everyone – so show your commitment to a safer, more inclusive sporting world by taking part in our campaign - lace up and make sport safer for all."

The 2024 Rainbow Laces campaign will run from November 16-December 4, and the PDC will be showing their support during the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.

The PDC's on-stage logo will reflect the campaign's rainbow colours, while rainbow laces and pin badges will be available for competing players and officials.

In addition, fans wishing to show their support will be able to collect free rainbow laces or pin badges at the event from the reception desk at WC Active Aldersley.

The 2024 Grand Slam of Darts will feature Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who made history last year as the first transgender player to compete in a PDC televised event at the Women's World Matchplay.

"We remain committed to making the PDC and our events an inclusive place for all, and are proud to support the 2024 Rainbow Laces campaign," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

"Last year saw us adopt the trans colours during the Rainbow Laces campaign, and in 2024 we're reverting to the traditional colours to promote sport being a safe place for all - whether you're competing, working or watching.

"Darts has never enjoyed a greater profile and this has increased the diversity of those involved in the sport in recent years too."

Fans can also now join a dedicated Facebook group, Out on the Oche, which has been launched by PDC referee Huw Ware, the LGBTQ+ ambassador for darts.

"As always I am extremely grateful for the PDC's support of the Rainbow Laces campaign," said Ware. "I'm also delighted that the PDC have agreed to sanction an official LGBTQ+ group.

"We want to make darts safe and welcoming for everyone at all levels of the game, and connect people from across the world to champion people's stories and encourage education on the subject of LGBTQ+ inclusion for darts bodies both locally and nationally."

For more information about Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, please visit stonewall.org.uk.