Baltimore kicked off Pride Month on Saturday with a fundraiser for Unmatched Athlete, a Maryland-based nonprofit that encourages LGBTQ+ youth and allies to play sports.
The event was held in partnership with Union Collective, and featured opportunities for exercise, expression, and entertaining performances.
Unmatched Athlete partnered with Movement Hampden to offer climbing opportunities for youth.
An open mic segment featured stories centered on the theme “High School: Let’s Talk About It.”
Rounding out the afternoon, drag performers entertained audiences with lip sync performances.
Founded in 2020, Unmatched Athlete organizes sports games and other activities for youth ages 5-18 years old, welcoming LGBTQ+ youth and allies alike.
“Sports is one of those avenues where I truly believe has an impact on culture and can be that domino piece and cultural change,” Unmatched Athlete founder and president Olanrele Oni told Baltimore Fishbowl last week.
Unmatched Athlete currently hosts consistent programming in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, and Montgomery County. However, they hope to eventually expand their event offerings to all 24 jurisdictions in Maryland — then across the country and even the world.
The funds raised through Saturday’s event will help support the nonprofit’s efforts to expand their footprint and hire more coaches.
[Read more about Unmatched Athlete in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.]
