A state-wide conference focusing on inclusion in high school sports, as well as other topics, including LGBT awareness, is set for Monday on the campus of the University of Denver.
The EPIC (Equality, Participation and Inclusion in Colorado) Sports Conference is being organized by D’Evelyn boys track and cross country coach Micah Porter in conjunction with CHSAA, You Can Play and Go! Athletes. It is Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at DU’s Driscol Student Center Ballroom.
The You Can Play high school sports playbook.
It is open to students, administrators and coaches. Registration is available online. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Further information is also available on EPIC’s Facebook page.
“It’s an educational summit for kids and coaches and ADs to learn how to handle and deal with youth and if and when they come out. … It can be a very touchy situation for programs,” Porter said. “We gathered about a dozen speakers from around the country to come in and talk to kids, talk to ADs. We’re going to be unveiling a playbook from You Can Play which helps coaches, ADs and players deal with these sorts of things.
“It’s a day in which they can ask questions, and there will be panel discussions as well as presentations by experts in the field so that they can leave the day and become leaders among their teams or in their schools to help prevent homophobia, to help make things more comfortable.”
Among topics:
- The responsible use of social media
- The power of the paralympian
- LGBT awareness and inclusion
- Q&As with professional, college and HS athletes
“It isn’t just LGBT,” Porter said. “We have (a speaker) coming to talk to the kids about accepting paralympians on the team. It’s more about an inclusive atmosphere. The idea is that if you’re talented and you have the ability, then you’re welcome on any team. It’s the You Can Play message.”
Porter himself is largely responsible for coordinating the day.
“I told people, I said, ‘Slap me next time I think of doing this,'” he joked. “I know these things take a lot of work, and I know it will all be worth it in the end, but, boy, to try to do all this coordination, it’s been quite a journey.”
Still, it may turn into an annual or biennial event.
“If it goes well our numbers are (good), and I get good feedback from the attendees, I certainly would consider it again in a year or two,” Porter said.