‘Hate is not welcome here’: Winnipeg sports teams unite with initiative

Winnipeg’s sports teams are coming together for an initiative that aims to make everyone feel welcome at their games.

“Over the next 6 months, Winnipeg’s sports teams will be sending a clear message. Hate is not welcome here,” explained David Asper, owner of the Winnipeg Sea Bears.

The Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Valour FC, Winnipeg Sea Bears, and the Winnipeg Goldeyes are all dedicating a game in their upcoming seasons to say loud and clear – hate is not welcome.

“The Hate is Not Welcome Here philosophy is that no individual who is part of our community should ever feel marginalized,” said Rob Berkowits, spokesperson for the Hate is not welcome here initiative.

Asper says he grew up with anti-Semitic hate thrown his way and today, all hate is prevalent. He says it was extremely important for the Sea Bears to take part in this in their inaugural season, putting the first Hate is Not Welcome Here game on of all six participating teams.

“We can reach kids before they formulate hate and before they start getting into the bad habit of hate, hopefully we can be influential,” he explained.

Berkowits says this day is for everyone and that no one should be cast aside because of their race, sexual orientation or gender.

“Maybe we’ll only change a few people and a few lives, but it’s important that we always make an effort and step up to do our very best to change those things.”

Rainbow Resource Centre is a partner of this initiative. With Winnipeg Pride about to begin, director of advocacy Ashley Smith says it’s important influential teams and athletes carry on the message they sent last season.

“It really puts a warm spot in my heart that Manitoba is sending a strong message,” said Smith.

“Just last spring we saw the anti-queer rhetoric rise up when teams chose not to wear their pride jerseys… but here in Winnipeg the Jets sent a strong message that hate doesn’t belong here, and now we’re seeing it from all these teams – that’s really good.”

Kory Harnum says for the Jets and the Moose, this message was very easy to get behind and there’s a specific message fans should know before they walk into their arena.

“No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, no matter if you’re a big hockey fan or have never seen it before – you’re welcome both in our arena, in our venues, and you should feel welcome and a part of this city and this province.”

‘Hate is not welcome here’ games are as follows:
Thursday, June 15, 2023 — Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Brampton Honey Badgers at 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 16, 2023 — Winnipeg Goldeyes vs Cleburne Railroaders at 1:00 PM
Thursday, August 3, 2023 — Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs B.C. Lions at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 — Valour FC vs Vancouver FC at 7:00 PM
October 2023 (season not yet confirmed) — Manitoba Moose home game
November 2023 (season not yet confirmed) — Winnipeg Jets home game