Dani Laidley announces she will return to primetime sport in the celebrity game at the Australian Open
Dani Laidley announces her return to prime time esports in a celebrity match that could be seen by millions: ‘Excited is certainly an understatement’
- Dani Laidley announces she will return to primetime esports in January
- Laidley will compete in the Australian Open Glam Slam tournament
- Laidley says she is “excited” and “can’t wait” to attend the LGBTQI+ event
Former AFL star Danielle Laidley has confirmed she will return to the sports arena this summer to play in the Glam Slam tournament at the Australian Open and become a captain.
Laidley, who played 151 AFL games in his 10-year career with the Eagles and Kangaroos before coaching North Melbourne for 149 games, will attend the celebrity tennis game at the Kia Arena in January.
Former AFL star Danielle Laidley (pictured) has confirmed she will return to the sports arena this summer to play and captain in the Glam Slam tournament at the Australian Open
Laidley (pictured with partner Donna Leckie) played 151 AFL games in his 10-year career with the Eagles and Kangaroos and later coached North Melbourne for 149 games
“Excited is certainly an understatement,” Laidley said.
“I can’t wait, it’s a privilege to play at the Kia Arena where so many great deeds have been accomplished.
“I’ll need to schedule some practice sessions to brush up on my skills, but it’s definitely about having fun at the event.”
The Glam Slam is the world’s largest LGBTQI+ tennis event and is now in its sixth year as it continues to grow with more than 100 players from around the world.
The celebrity match features local sports names, tennis legends and stars from the showbiz world.
The event’s founder, Rowen D’Souza, explained that Laidley’s appearance at the glam slam was important in showing others the way.
“Being visible is an important way in which the LGBTIQ+ community advances the cause of our inclusion in all aspects of life,” he said.
The Glam Slam is the world’s largest LGBTQI+ tennis event and is now in its sixth year and continues to grow with more than 100 players from around the world competing
“Danielle made a very human desire to ‘be her real self’ very visible to huge audiences across Australia. Sport can be a very scary place; Many fear judgment and ridicule because they are different. It’s so important that someone like Danielle continues to show the way for others who want to show their true selves on the outside.”
Laidley is also interviewed for In Conversation With Danielle Laidley.
The former AFL great is expected to talk about her life and her book Don’t Look Away – which details her emotional journey through gender dysphoria, from starring on the field to hitting rock bottom and reclaiming her true self.
The former AFL great (pictured) is expected to talk about her life and her book Don’t Look Away – which details her emotional journey through gender dysphoria, from starring on the field to hitting rock bottom and reclaiming it her true self
“I’m very excited and grateful to be involved in both events. The Australian Open is a diverse and inclusive event that helps the community understand the Rainbow community,” said Laidley. “It’s an absolute honor.”
“It was very busy, exciting and very emotional at times. The support and positive feedback on the book has been incredible and quite overwhelming.’
advertisement
Comments are closed.