Diversity in sports and competition is often a hotly contested topic. Yet there are sectors aiming to change this. Through competitions and funding initiatives, these organizations realize that diversity benefits everyone, bringing revenue and new blood into the fray. We discuss the sports and games actively aiming to increase diversity in the article below.
Rugby
Rugby is a popular sport, played from Europe to Australasia and South America. Yet it is often totally alien to many young people, a sport so closed off from their upbringing that they would never think of playing. This was the experience of Sadia Kabeya, who grew up in Crystal Palace, London. The England women’s flanker stated that it was just a chance encounter that had her playing the game, and that a lot of talent is being missed by being unavailable. 
There are two major schemes aiming to change this. Rugby United is one, and will empower community clubs to seek out new players from diverse backgrounds. This not just includes players, but also referees, coaches, and backroom staff. Other schemes involve the introduction of the T1 Rugby game. This is a non-contact version of the sport that teaches its fundamentals and is aimed at players in primary and secondary schools.
Poker
Poker has had some quite high-profile female players. The British television presenter and journalist Victoria Coren-Mitchel is one of the most recognizable and has won numerous competitions along with being a presenter on several poker shows. Liv Boeree, Ebony Kenney, and others have joined her in the hall of fame. Yet poker remains a predominantly male game, which the industry is gearing up to change.
Pokerstars is one company that is aiming to alter this perception. In November 2024 it held its Women’s Winter Festival in London. This was a huge European tournament aimed at female players, many of whom believe it is hard to be a woman in poker when you are an unknown. Pokerstars has done a lot to attract customers of all backgrounds to the game. At its base level, this has been through its Pokerstars bonus code. Providing matched deposits and credit has allowed people to play the game from home without using all their bankroll. They can then venture to physical games should they wish.
Formula 1
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has long been a voice for diversity in the sport. The nature of Formula 1 and its grassroots level means that it often requires a lot of funding. It is not like football where a ball can be bought cheaply. Young drivers need capital and time to start out, cutting many out of the equation. Much of his work involved bringing inclusion to F1 through the study of STEM subjects in schools. Hamilton and Mercedes started the Ignite partnership, which gave funding to promote diversity in motorsports and STEM subjects. 
Inclusion in sports and competition still has some way to go. However, with initiatives like this, it is improving. Check your local area for the work of different bodies, and you may get to try out something you never even considered playing before.