Moravian Supports "You Can Play" Project

BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The Moravian College athletic department has joined in supporting the "You Can Play" Project in embracing and promoting inclusion and diversity for all athletes, coaches, staff, and fans.

The "You Can Play" Project's mission is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation. "You Can Play" works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team's success. "You Can Play" seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete's skills, work ethic and competitive spirit according to its website (http://youcanplayproject.org/).

"'You Can Play' is three small words that send a big message," said Athletics Director Scot Dapp. "Race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious preferences are not the qualities that determine an athlete's ability to play. Strong character, discipline, consistent work ethic, and being a team player; these are the characteristics that are desired by a coach - if you possess these then 'You Can Play'."

Moravian has over 350 student-athletes competing in 18 varsity sports. The school traces its origin to 1742 as the sixth-oldest school in the nation and the first to educate women.

Moravian's video (see below), which was debuted Wednesday evening prior to a talk by Hudson Taylor from Athlete Ally, was produced by Head Women's Soccer Coach Brienne Smith and Assistant Women's Basketball Coach and Intramural Director Sara Steinman.