You Can Play Project

You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete – judged on their skills, work ethic and competitive spirit without regard to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. If you can play, you can play. You Can Play was founded in 2012 by Patrick Burke of the NHL, Brian Kitts, a sports and entertainment marketing executive, and Glenn Witman of GForce Sports. Brendan Burke, Patrick’s brother and son of Brian Burke, a longtime NHL team executive (currently President of Hockey Operations, Calgary Flames), made international headlines when he came out in 2009 highlighting what the locker room can be like for young LGBTQ athletes. Brian Burke made his own headlines with his unequivocal and unconditional love and support for Brendan. A few months after he came out, Brendan was lost in a car accident. You Can Play was founded in Brendan Burke’s honor to provide a means for athletes, coaches and fans to stand up and create an atmosphere of inclusion everywhere in sports. Incorporated in Denver Colorado, You Can Play is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with programming in the United States and Canada. www.youcanplayproject.org