JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4JAX continues to celebrate Pride Month as we close out June by shining a spotlight on the local organizations that serve our unique and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Founded in 2021, Stonewall Sports Jacksonville is an entirely volunteer-run organization that offers low-cost sports leagues that foster inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies.
Stonewall Sports Jacksonville currently offers kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, cornhole and billiards leagues. The group plans to add bocce and pickleball soon.
“We believe everyone in organized sports should have the ability to be themselves. We value each player for who they are and what they bring to the community,” the organization wrote in a message to News4JAX> “We also believe our community has the ability and responsibility to support others in need.”
Beyond playing sports, the group also focuses on philanthropy by partnering with local nonprofits to support their initiatives. Members have taken part in park cleanups, river beautification, clothing and supply drives, and fundraising.
Each kickball season, Stonewall Sports Jacksonville chooses a beneficiary organization and encourages teams to join with local sponsors and businesses to raise funds throughout the season.
“At the end of the season, all funds raised, in addition to a portion of our registration fees, are donated to the designated beneficiary,” the group said.
Recent beneficiaries include Family Support Services, The Queer Trans Project, Transcending Adolescence and JASMYN.
Stonewall Sports Jacksonville members have raised more than $100,000 in donations since the organization began.
The group is currently taking registration for its bi-annual Kickball REMIX Tournament on Sunday, Aug. 10.
Players are randomly assigned to teams for the one-day tournament to encourage new friendships, and players of all levels are welcome.
To register or learn more about Stonewall Sports Jacksonville, click here or follow the organization on Instagram (@stonewallsportsjax).
