Play with Pride: Cairns community invited to join new inclusive basketball movement - Cairns Spectres

Spectres Australia Pride Basketball and Team Rainbow launch local team with celebrations from 7-8 February 2026

Cairns basketball enthusiasts are invited to be part of a growing national movement promoting inclusion and diversity in sport, as Spectres Australia Pride Basketball partners with Team Rainbow to establish a new LGBTQIA+ Cairns Spectres Pride Basketball team.

On Saturday 7 February, the team will officially launch with a community lunch and presentation, followed by a “Play with Pride” Open Day on Sunday 8 February offering locals the chance to experience basketball in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Saturday 7 February – Community Launch Event 

Join us for lunch at The Woolshed from 12pm, as Spectres Australia Pride Basketball representatives Andrew Bondini and Barb Kirby share their vision for bringing an official Spectres team to Far North Queensland. 

Team Rainbow, an Australian registered charity, will also provide updates on preparations for the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia and Perth’s successful bid to host the 2030 Gay Games – a significant milestone for LGBTQIA+ sport in Australia.

Sunday 8 February – “Play with Pride” Open Day 

All ages and abilities are invited to participate in a “Come and Try” Open Day at Cairns Basketball, Manunda from 10am to 12pm. This event welcomes players of all skill levels, identities, and backgrounds – including beginners, seasoned athletes, families, and allies – to shoot hoops, meet new teammates, and experience the spirit of pride-based community sport.

These back-to-back days offer an empowering space for community connection, sporting participation, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride through basketball.

Team Rainbow David Schacht explains the significance of the initiative, “Play with Pride Cairns represents more than just a sporting initiative - it’s a community-wide commitment to acceptance that addresses real barriers faced by marginalised groups. The program’s focus on creating safe spaces has particular significance in regional areas where LGBTQIA+ individuals may have limited access to supportive communities.”

Spectres Australia founder and CEO Andrew Bondini has seen the success of Spectres basketball teams across the country, “Creating a Cairns Spectres team is about more than basketball. It provides real connection, visibility, and gives people a place where they can play, belong, and be themselves.”

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft welcomes Play with Pride Cairns and looks forward to collaborating with Spectres Australia for the club’s upcoming Pride Round game and beyond. 

“This is an exciting development for basketball participation in Far North Queensland. We love that this will create opportunities for more of our community to play basketball and provide them with a space that fosters respect and safety. Supporting an inclusive environment reflects the true reach of the Taipans - beyond game day and into everyday life and social spaces.”

All interested community members, players, supporters, and families are encouraged to attend.

For more information or to register, visit www.spectresaustralia.com/qld-cairns 

Read the full feature on the https://www.cairnslocalnews.com.au/playing-ball-game-with-pride-2026-01-18