Tuesday morning the Capitals announced they will participate in the annual Capital Pride parade, which supports and celebrates the Washington, DC LGBTQA community. Vezina nominee Braden Holtby, along with Slapshot and the Red Rockers will march in the parade. Members from Monumental Sports and the Washington Wizards and Mystics will join the Caps as well.
This is the first time that the Capitals will participate in Pride month, and will do so in conjuction with the organization You Can Play. Other NHL teams and players have participated in their cities’ Pride events, such as Andrew Ference of the Edmonton Oilers. The Stanley Cup has also made appearances during Pride events in Chicago.
Those participating in the DC Pride Parade with Monumental will be sporting #RockTheRainbow shirts. The parade kicks off at 4:30 PM from Dupont Circle and runs to 14th and F Streets NW.
From the Caps:
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals and goaltender Braden Holtby are proud to announce their support and take part in the Capital Pride Alliance’s 2016 Capital Pride Parade presented by Marriot Rewards, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, in Washington, D.C.
Holtby will participate in the Pride Parade walking with Capitals mascot Slapshot, Red Rockers, Washington Wizards Wizard Girls, Washington Mystics Energy Squad and Monumental Sports and Entertainment staff members in conjunction with the You Can Play Project. You Can Play is an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, coaches and fans, without regard to sexual orientation and/or gender identity. All members walking in the contingency will wear #RockTheRainbow shirts.“I am honored to represent the Capitals and participate in this important event that shines light on the contributions the LGBT community makes every day,” said Holtby. “I believe in equality for all people and I look forward to showing my support along with our organization and fans.”
The parade’s theme is Make Magic Happen and is part of 2016 Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital presented by Hilton. The Celebration events are comprised of more than 25 events celebrating the spirit and strength in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities in Washington, D.C. and the national capital region.
The annual Capital Pride Parade draws 150,000 spectators, travels 1.6 miles through segments of the city important to the LGBT community, and this year will include more than 180 contingents. The celebration is produced by the Capital Pride Alliance, a nonprofit entity incorporated in the District of Columbia with the purpose of supporting, celebrating and inspiring our diverse communities with the annual Capital Pride events and related activities throughout the year.
For more information on the Capital Pride Parade and the complete schedule of events during the 2016 Celebration of Pride, visit CapitalPride.org.
WHO: Washington Capitals and goaltender Braden Holtby
WHAT: Participating in Capital Pride Alliance’s Pride Parade in support of the LGBT community
WHEN: Saturday, June 11
4:30 p.m. – Parade Begins
6 p.m. – Parade Concludes
WHERE: Dupont Circle – Parade Begins
14 th & F Street – Parade Concludes
(1.5 miles)
Capital Pride will also hold a street festival on Sunday afternoon as part of their festivities.