Sport Wales has helped launch a new charter that aims to encourage members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to take part in sport by making it more welcoming, safe and free from discrimination.

The charter – endorsed by Welsh minister for culture and sport John Griffiths – is seen as a major symbolic commitment to LGBT equality. Schools, clubs and national governing bodies from across Wales are being urged to sign up.

Drafted by the LGBT Sport Cymru Network, it asserts a zero tolerance approach to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

Figures from a recent report (by Sport Wales and Stonewall Cymru) into the attitudes towards sport among LGBT people show that 72 per cent of those asked said they would be more likely to participate in a club if it was marketed as LGBT friendly and organised its activities on this basis.

Chair of LGBT Sport Cymru Network Helen Adams, said: “The charter is a major step forward – it’s a huge statement of intent and really sets out what we want to achieve collectively across Wales.

"We are now urging schools, clubs and national governing bodies to sign up and support us in embracing the LGBT community right across the sports sector.”

To read more about the charter, click here.