Phoenix, Arizona: Sports has the power to bring people together, so what better time for you to get certified as a Sports Diversity Leader (SDL) than during Pride month?
With so much happening these days around diversity in sports, with highs such as Blackpool FC’s footballer, Jake Daniels coming out as gay, to lows such as more than a dozen U.S. states passing laws to ban transgender kids from participating in sports, the LGBTQ+ community faces a lot of uncertainty in sports.
The Sports Diversity Leadership Designation Track was created to help inspire and educate sports professionals and diversity leaders, to equip them with the tools they need to truly make the term, “sports diversity” a living, breathing reality for everyone.
Compete’s vision is to “Unite the World Through Sports” and it works toward that vision with the SDL certification program designed specifically for sports, community and non-profit leaders and business professionals as well as travel and tourism professionals.
Expressly for those who are looking to build or enhance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in their own organizations, earning this specialized certification enables you to access a wide variety of current information from experts in the multiple fields of sports, business, community leadership, the LGBTQ+ community and more. It also offers the latest information on changing trends, research and also offers networking opportunities.
Professionals with a background in the travel and tourism industry may apply for the SDLT certification, an enhanced version of the SDL specifically for their industry.
The program can be completed entirely online, in person or as a combined program. Compete has partnered with the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and Richmond Kickers to bring the program to conferences on both coasts.
Elective and continuing education courses are continually updated to ensure current content and give the SDL-designee additional training opportunities throughout the year at no additional cost.
“Our education team, Connie Wardman, SDLT, MA and David Smith, SDL, MSc, are experts in the fields of education and sports diversity. They’ve designed a comprehensive and fun learning experience that both enhances current leadership skills and creates new leaders. Together, we are all furthering sports diversity,” said Eric Carlyle, CEO – Compete Sports Diversity.
With a community of highly committed sports diversity leaders armed with a cohesive approach to supporting inclusion, diversity, equality/equity, acceptance and leadership at all levels, it provides benefits not only to them but will also improve the circumstances of those who aren’t able to do so on their own
In addition to individual certification, Compete offers small business, travel and tourism and corporate certification opportunities designed to demonstrate a business’ support of diversity. Organizations such as The Arizona Cardinals and JPMorgan Chase are SDL Certified Corporate Partners.
Learn more at competenetwork.com/education and individuals may get started online at SportsDiversityEducation.com and use the code SDLPride to receive 50% off the program through June 30, 2022.
Small businesses, corporations and travel and tourism organizations should reach out directly to sdl@competenetwork.com for more information.
