The Checkers have taken the You Can Play Pledge and have joined forces with the You Can Play Project, which works to end discrimination in sports.

The Pledge was created by the You Can Play Project as a way to encourage organizations and players to speak up against homophobia in the arena and in the locker room. You Can Play is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.

“We’re very proud to have taken the You Can Play Pledge,” said Checkers COO Tera Black. “Discrimination of any kind has no place in sports and we hope that our efforts, as well as the efforts of other teams and organizations will help get rid of it.”

Checkers players, staff members and fans have created a video and the organization will volunteer time over the summer to help fight discrimination in sports. Appearing in the video are Checkers players Zac Dalpe, Justin Krueger, Rasmus Rissanen and Brett Sutter, team owner Michael Kahn, COO Tera Black and fans Dani, Lisa and Valerie.

The You Can Play Project was started by former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke and Patrick Burke in memory of Brian’s son and Patrick’s brother Brendan, who passed away in a tragic motor vehicle accident in 2010. For more information or to take the You Can Play Pledge, visit www.youcanplayproject.org.