Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

United Fray - Brittany Rheault

Brittany has made extraordinary contributions to advancing inclusivity and equity within the Social Sports Industry, earning her recognition as a true leader in fostering diversity and breaking down barriers.

Brittany’s commitment to creating an inclusive culture is evident in her pivotal role at Fray, where she has championed and helped establish LGBTQ+ social sport leagues. Her efforts have helped position Fray into a league where everyone can find belonging and community. She has set powerful example for others in the industry, demonstrating how inclusivity can be woven into the fabric of sports and recreation.

Beyond her work at Fray, Brittany has been deeply involved in industry-wide efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has served on the Social Sports Industry Association's (SSIA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for four years, playing a significant role in shaping initiatives that promote representation and equity across the field. 

As one of the longest-serving women in the social sports industry, Brittany has witnessed and contributed to the growth of female representation. She has actively participated in roundtables and initiatives aimed at increasing equity and representation, consistently advocating for the inclusion of diverse voices.

Through her efforts, Brittany has left a lasting mark on the trade association, the industry, and the broader community. Her work not only advances diversity, equity, and inclusion but also inspires others to follow in her footsteps, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.

FXA Adult Sports - Turkey Cup 2024 

Turkey Cup 2024 – Women's 8v8 Tournament:  In 2024, FXA Adult Sports demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by launching the first-ever Women’s 8v8 Tournament alongside the traditional Men’s 8v8. The response was incredible, with the women’s tournament selling out quickly and participants expressing heartfelt gratitude and excitement. Many attendees shared their enthusiasm for the event and requested additional team spots for next year to meet the growing demand.

By creating this opportunity for women to compete at a high level, FXA Adult Sports fostered a more inclusive and equitable environment, ensuring women have equal opportunities to showcase their talents. This initiative reflects FXA’s dedication to advancing gender equity in sports, and the organization is excited to expand these opportunities in future events.

Pittsburgh Sports League - PUMPed to Run 

PUMPed to Run, a program of PUMP and the Pittsburgh Sports League, is a transformative program that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the social sports community. The program is dedicated to creating a welcoming and accessible space for individuals of all backgrounds, with a special focus on underrepresented communities, including individuals struggling with homelessness, addiction and incarceration, individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and those who may not have traditionally had access to fitness programs.

PUMPed to Run also provides all the clothing, shoes and other necessities that the participants need to safely exercise, as well as setting the exercise schedule at the time and location that is best for the shelter which removes obstacles to participation like money, access and transportation. Through its active mission, PUMPed to Run empowers participants to overcome challenges and set personal goals for physical fitness while prioritizing mental health and personal growth. The program’s mentorship components foster a culture of support and empowerment by helping both participants, and often volunteers, develop self-confidence and leadership skills.

In addition, the program provides opportunities for volunteers to connect with others that are different from them, exposing us all to the rich diversity of a vibrant city. By addressing both systemic barriers to access and providing ongoing support, PUMPed to Run has sparked lasting change in the Pittsburgh region, demonstrating how intentional DEI initiatives can build a more equitable and inclusive future.

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