Unmatched Athlete Press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7/9/24 Baltimore, MD — Unmatched Athlete in partnership with Under Armour Unified announces the inaugural Unmatched Pride event for LGBTQ+ and allied youths on July 20th, 2024 from 11am - 2pm. All families are encouraged to attend and the event will be held at the Stadium at 2601 Port Covington Dr in Baltimore Peninsula.

The Aspen Institute’s Project Play Summit is currently in Baltimore as part of our national effort to find solutions for more children to access quality sports opportunities. Baltimore was home to our first community State of Play report in 2017 that assessed the barriers and opportunities Baltimore uniquely faces. In the years since, local organizations and leaders have taken significant steps in Baltimore to improve sports access for children.

How Baltimore is improving sports access for children, by Jon Solomon: “Sports opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth and allies created”:

Olanrele Oni grew up loving to play soccer, but never felt he could truly be himself in sports because he is gay. In 2020, as the Black Trans Lives Matter movement grew across the nation, Oni created Unmatched Athlete and started with clinics in climbing, obstacle courses, flag football, Ultimate frisbee, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The goal is to eventually create leagues and tournaments and hire a coach to teach sports fundamentals.

The events are nongendered, meaning every child plays together. To date, 177 children ages 5-18 have registered or participated in Unmatched Athlete’s events in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Montgomery, Howard and Prince George’s counties. More than half of the children (51%) identify as female, with 35% identifying as male and 14% as transgender or nonbinary. Nationally, research shows LGBTQ+ youth play sports at far lower rates than their peers.

“Regardless of how you identify, sports are for everyone,” Oni said.

Catch the end of Olanrele Oni, our president and founder, being interviewed at the Orioles Pride Night by Jim Palmer and Kevin Brown. Thank you so much to MASN and the Orioles for the opportunity to spread our message. #pridenight #lgbtqsports #orioles

Olanrele Oni watched from afar as the Black Trans Lives Matter movement swept the nation in 2020. He spoke to his husband, Justin Fair, about wanting to do something, anything, to counter the lack of empathy in the world.

Sports seemed like the proper solution. “To me, sports is one of those things that can change culture. I truly believe that,” Oni said.

Additionally, the O’s turned their attention to how LGBTQ kids relate to sports. While noting that “1 in 10 LGBTQ+ youth have been discouraged from playing school sports due to their sexual orientation or gender identity,” the Orioles also emphasized how important sports are to our community.

“One in three LGBTQ+ youth are interested in sports,” the team posted, “Unmatched Athlete is a Maryland-based non-profit that encourages youth who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies to participate in sports and fitness.”

Olanrele Oni admits that even though he grew up playing soccer, he was never the best athlete — “A for effort,” he likes to say.

But when he was younger, Oni, who said he always knew he was queer, once suspected his teammates were refusing to pass him the ball on the field because of his sexuality.

“I felt as a little gay kid, I felt self conscious. Is it the way I’m running? Is it the way I’m speaking? Is that playing a role?” Oni said. “You start creating these narratives in your head that may not exist.”

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Huge thank you to Under Armour and Unified Team for featuring us in their commercial! We exist to give the LGBTQ+ community a community for sports and we are so excited we got to share that with Under Armour!

The Truth In This Art: In today's episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Olanrele Oni, the President and Founder of Unmatched Athlete, an organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ representation in sports and fitness. Delve into Olanrele's journey with Unmatched Athlete and discover the mission they passionately share with our listeners. Throughout our discussion, Olanrele shares their experiences, insights, and the incredible impact that Unmatched Athlete has had in creating a more inclusive and empowering environment.In this episode, we dive into Unmatched Athlete's impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Maryland through inspiring success stories. Olanrele sheds light on the organization's transformative role. We also delve into how Unmatched Athlete educates and involves allies, crucial for a safe environment. Finally, we preview the  Union Collective Pride Fundraiser—an upcoming event celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion and support, uniting Unmatched Athlete, Movement Hampden, and Union Collective businesses. Joy, empowerment, and fundraising await.

WATCH 2023 Press Clip on WJZ:

A Baltimore-area organization, "Unmatched Athlete," is empowering LGBTQ+ youth through sports. This program creates a safe space for young sports enthusiasts who identify as LGBTQ+. Their goal is to normalize queer people and their love of sports at an early age…

WATCH 2023 Press Clip on WMAR: Among the many events for Pride Month will be one featuring athletic opportunities for local LGBTQ+ young people...

Organizers Unmatched Athlete, Movement Hampden, and businesses in the Union Collective invite the public to celebrate the 2nd Annual Union Collective Pride event on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The event will run from 12pm-10pm. The day’s celebration activates Union's participating businesses to affirm LGBTQ+ inclusion by kicking-off Baltimore Pride Week with an all-day fundraiser trifecta for Unmatched Athlete. The fundraiser goes towards organizational support and assisting Unmatched Athlete staff and volunteers. The public is invited to (1) A free climbing day for youth ages 5-18; an (2) evening Stoop Storytelling show at Movement; followed by (3) drag performances at Union Craft Brewing. Current additional sponsors include Union Craft Brewing and GLSEN Maryland.